About the science-based target of 1.5°C

This refers to the goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, as declared by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in its Special Report on Global Warming of 1.5°C. The 2018 Report highlighted the urgency of limiting global warming to 1.5°C to avoid the worst impacts of climate change: frequent, severe heatwaves, hurricanes, floods, and droughts.

Science-based targets are specific, measurable, and time-bound goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and other gases. These targets can be set by governments and other organisations to address climate change and transition to a low-carbon, more sustainable future.

This means transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, implementing sustainable transportation, promoting forest and wetland conservation and reforestation, and adopting other strategies to reduce GHGs. This comprehensive approach encompasses reducing emissions from direct operations (such as burning fossil fuels), and across the value chain, including those involved in the production, distribution, and use of goods and services.

Only by setting and acting on science-based targets aligned with the 1.5°C goal, can we mitigate climate change and prevent the most catastrophic impacts on natural ecosystems and human society. These targets are based on the best available scientific knowledge and require us all to take meaningful and ambitious action to reduce their carbon footprint.