A new report released in October by the IPCC, warns of the serious and irreversible consequences of global warming if we do not enact “rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society.”

The report finds that the planet will warm 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels by as early as 2030. It was previously assumed that limiting warming to 2 degrees Celsius would be enough to avoid a worse-case scenario. However, new findings reveal a very different picture, and find that limiting warming to 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels will be critical if we are to preserve life on the planet as we know it.

This is a summary of the main findings of the the IPCC Special Report on the impacts of global warming of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, related global greenhouse gas emission pathways, and projected scenarios. The findings are in the context of strengthening the global response to the threat of climate change and linking it to sustainable development, as well as efforts to eradicate poverty. It also relates the findings to the goals and articles of the Paris Agreement and the pathways to achieving the emissions reductions goals within it.

REPORT AUTHORS: SOFIA CARDAMONE, AMINA LY, MARIA VIRGINIA OLANO, JESSICA TOROSSIAN, LIZZY WARNER