A rise of 3° Celsius in global temperatures above pre-industrial levels by 2100 would be disastrous. Its effects would be felt differently around the world, but nowhere would be immune. Prolonged heatwaves, droughts and extreme weather events could all become increasingly common and severe.
So how different would the impacts of climate change be at 3°C compared to 1.5°C?
The distinction between a 1.5°C and a 3°C increase is significant, even in regions like the UK, which may experience less severe impacts of climate change compared to areas like the Middle East. A recent study revealed that in England, the average annual probability of experiencing a heatwave, as defined by the Met Office, rises from the current estimate of 40% to approximately 65% at a 1.5°C increase and surpasses 90% at a 3°C increase.
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