There’s a growing consensus that the next 18 months will be critical in dealing with the global heating crisis, among other environmental challenges. Last year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported that to keep the rise in global temperatures below 1.5C this century, emissions of carbon dioxide would have to be cut by 45% by 2030. Today, observers recognize that the decisive, political steps to enable the cuts in carbon to take place will have to happen before the end of next year. The first major step will be the special climate summit called by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, which will be held in New York on 23 September. This will be followed by COP25 in Santiago, Chile, where the most important achievement will likely be keeping the process moving forward.
By Matt McGrath. BBC News. July 24, 2019.
