Paris Agreement target won’t protect polar ice sheets, scientists warn

As sea levels rise at an accelerating rate in some parts of the world, threatening coastal communities, scientists warn that current targets for global warming may not be sufficient to prevent catastrophic impacts. A new study suggests that even meeting the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming goal could still lead to significant melting of polar ice sheets, and proposes a stricter aim—perhaps closer to 1°C or a long-term target—to ensure planetary stability. Experts emphasize the urgent need for more ambitious climate action as temperatures continue to rise and carbon dioxide levels reach unprecedented levels.