5 expert predictions on how warm the world will get

Predicting the extent of the Earth’s warming due to climate change is a tricky business, but five leading institutions have offered their forecasts.

Collated by Reuters, the following chart shows projected temperature rises based on the plans submitted to curb greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. The temperature rise is in degrees Celsius and is forecast by 2100 in relation to pre-industrial levels.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology predicts the highest rise, some 3.7 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Climate Interactive, a Washington DC not-for-profit organisation, also predicts a rise in excess of 3 degrees Celsius.

The European Commission predicts a rise of 3 degrees Celsius, while Climate Action Tracker, an independent body tracking climate action and change, and the International Energy Agency, both predict a rise of 2.7 degrees.

The consequences of failing to tackle emissions and therefore prevent significant temperature rises are clear to see in the chart above – with all five institutions predicting a rise above the 2 degree global target. It highlights the need for global action to deal with the threats posed by climate change, and the importance of a rigorous global deal.

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Author: Joe Myers is a Digital Content Producer at Formative Content. 

Image: Image: Smoke bellows from the chimneys of Belchatow Power Station, Europe’s largest biggest coal-fired power plant. REUTERS/Peter Andrews.