Context:
- Copernicus Climate Change Service data has revealed that the world breached the Paris Climate Pact’s 1.5°C threshold in 2024 and is likely to remain close to this limit in 2025.
- This development comes ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil, intensifying calls for urgent climate action, especially on resilience and adaptation financing.
Key Highlights:
Breach of the 1.5°C Threshold
- The 1.5°C global warming limit, set under the Paris Climate Pact, was breached in 2024 and again in November 2025.
- The three-year period starting 2023 is likely to be the first on record to exceed the 1.5°C threshold.
- The decade ending 2025 is projected to be the warmest since the late 19th century.
Scientific Interpretation of the Breach
- Climate scientists clarify that the Paris temperature target is measured as a 30-year average.
- Temporary breaches over a few years do not automatically mean irreversible climate breakdown, but they are strong warning signals.
Role of Climate Variability (El Niño–La Niña)
- The warming trend in 2025 is particularly alarming as it occurred despite La Niña conditions, which usually exert a cooling influence on global temperatures.
- This suggests that anthropogenic global warming is overpowering natural climate cycles.
COP30 and Climate Finance Commitments
- COP30 negotiators in Belém have agreed to triple climate resilience funding over the next 10 years.
- Focus has shifted from only mitigation to urgently strengthening adaptation and resilience, particularly for vulnerable regions.
Localised Nature of Climate Adaptation
- Mitigation efforts (emission reduction) can be pursued at national, regional, or global levels.
- Adaptation, such as protection from floods, heat waves, and droughts, must be locally designed and implemented.
- Effective policy requires linking weather events, scientific assessments (Copernicus), and climate negotiations (COP outcomes).
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Repeated breach of the 1.5°C warming threshold.
- Causes:
- Rising greenhouse gas emissions
- Weak implementation of mitigation commitments
- Key Institutions & Reports:
- Copernicus Climate Change Service
- UNFCCC, COP30 (Belém)
- Climate Phenomena:
- El Niño: Warming of Pacific waters, raises global temperatures
- La Niña: Cooling phase, yet warming persisted in 2025
- Impact:
- Increased frequency of extreme weather events
- Higher vulnerability of developing countries
Relevant Mains Points:
- Key Concepts & Definitions:
- Paris Climate Pact: Seeks to limit warming to well below 2°C, preferably 1.5°C
- Mitigation: Reducing emissions or enhancing carbon sinks
- Adaptation: Adjusting systems to minimize climate damage
- Static + Current Linkages:
- Climate justice and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR)
- SDG 13 – Climate Action
- Governance Challenges:
- Gap between scientific warnings and policy action
- Inadequate climate finance and slow disbursement
- Way Forward:
- Accelerate emissions reduction by major emitters
- Ensure predictable and accessible climate finance
- Strengthen local-level resilience planning
- Integrate climate science into everyday governance decisions
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS 3: Environment & Ecology – Climate Change, Adaptation, Mitigation
- GS 2: International Relations – Global Climate Governance, COP Processes