Scientists have updated their climate projections, discarding the most extreme warming scenarios as no longer plausible. The new analysis shows a narrowing of possible futures: the worst-case is less severe, but the best-case still exceeds the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C target.
- The old worst-case scenario of 4.5°C warming by 2100 has been replaced by a new worst-case of about 3.5°C. - The best-case scenario now expects warming to peak at 1.7°C before potentially declining if carbon removal technology advances.
- The world is currently on a path toward 3°C warming by the end of the century. - The changes reflect the rapid growth of renewable energy but also the continued rise in global carbon emissions.
The risks of climate change remain high, with small island nations particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise. Scientists stress that urgent action is still needed to avoid the worst impacts.