COP28 in UAE: Why is the world focused on 2.7 degrees F rise in temperature? Know what this number means

World leaders are gathering in the United Arab Emirates to deliberate on the impact of climate on the planet. This time the focus is on the 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit.

It may be mentioned that the Paris Agreement was signed by 196 countries in 2016. The temperature rise was a big concern. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere was the agreement's main goal. The nations agreed to limit the rise in temperature to less than 2.7 degrees.

Although 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit may not seem like much to the average person, climate experts believe that when the average world temperature rises, the extremes also rise.


The last eight years have been the hottest in the history of Earth and 2023 is also expected to be the hottest.

Notably, compared to the 1800s, the earth had already become warmer by about 2 degrees Fahrenheit and continues to get warmer. This rise hurt the ocean surface temperature which has resulted in diminishing the population of the ocean fauna.

In the United States, the temperature is already rising while more frequent storms are producing flash floods that cause widespread destruction.

In addition to intensifying storms, rising temperatures are also causing severe droughts, and wildfires, which are occurring in many nations, and endangering the flora and fauna. Aiming for 2.7 degrees of warming and genuinely committing to 3.6 degrees would not seem to make much of a difference.

However, when the extremes are multiplied along with their consequences, each creates a quite different world. One is challenging and would lead to a less stable and more unpredictable climate than the one we currently have. The other is almost a cinematic apocalypse.

Global countries convene during the 13-day COP28 meetings to determine the extent to which they will each reduce their carbon emissions, though many other climate change-related issues are also up for discussion.

FAQs:

Where is the COP28 being organised?
COP28 is being organized in the United Arab Emirates. 197 parties that have ratified the 1992-adopted United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change convene annually at COP28.

How does temperature rise affect the climate?
The rise in temperatures is leading to natural calamities like severe and frequent storms, droughts, rise in the water level, and elimination of flora and fauna.