GR: The temperature increases discussed in this article have drastic consequences for terrestrial species. Because temperature declines with altitude, a rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius is equal to a 500 ft increase in altitude. The change increases the optimum altitude for many plant and animal species. Making the climb in decades or even centuries is not possible for most plants and the animals that depend on them.
Study shows why Paris climate goals are important
By Bob Berwyn
VIENNA — One-half degree Celsius may barely register on a backyard thermometer, but when it comes to temperatures on a global scale, it can make all the difference in the world, according to a new study that examined the relative impacts of 1.5 degrees Celsius global warming versus 2 degrees Celsius.
At issue is the worldwide climate-change target set late last year in Paris under the COP21 agreement. The deal, now signed by more than 175 countries, aims to cap global warming somewhere between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial level by drastically cutting greenhouse gas emissions. The new research shows why many scientists are pushing for the lower target.
A temperature increase of 2 degrees Celsius will have a much bigger impacts to…
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