The aim of keeping global warming within 1.5°C of pre-industrial temperature levels has been one of the defining ambitions of climate action since the Paris Agreement in 2015. Yet, it is increasingly clear that we are on the verge of crossing this threshold, with profound implications for both the planet and our societies.
Are we ready for life beyond 1.5°C of global warming?
We are on the verge of crossing the threshold set out in the Paris Climate Agreement. David Gunn and Matthew Harris explore the ideas that may help us navigate a world of more frequent and severe climate shocks.
The World Today
Published 15 September 2025
Updated 10 November 2025 — 5 minute READ
Image — A citizen of Tuvalu stands in Funafuti’s lagoon. The low-lying South Pacific island nation has been classified as ‘extremely vulnerable’ to climate change as sea levels rise. Photo: Mario Tama/Getty Images.
