ASSOCIATED PRESS
GENEVA: For the first time in the next five years the planet could see average global temperatures 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) above the pre-industrial average, the UN weather agency said on Thursday.
The 1.5-C mark is the point the countries decided to attempt to reduce global warming to. Scientists claim that, because of man-made greenhouse emissions, average temperatures across the world are already at least 1 C higher now than during the 1850-1900 century.
The World Meteorological Organization has said there is a 20 percent likelihood that the amount of 1.5 C will be achieved between 2020 and 2024 in at least one year. The cycle is projected to see average annual temperatures above pre-industrial averages, 0.91 C to 1.59 C.
The prediction is presented in an annual climate context, coordinated by the Met Office of the United Kingdom.
WMO chief Petteri Taalas said the study shows countries facing "the enormous challenge" in meeting the goals of the 2015 Paris agreement. The agreement sets an goal to keep global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit), preferably no more than 1.5 C.
The agency noted that the models used for the forecast do not recognize the possible effect of the coronavirus pandemic on rising emissions of planet-warming gasses like carbon dioxide.
"The COVID-19 industrial and economic slowdown is no substitute for sustained and concerted action on the environment," Taalas said.