Graphic charts the rise in land and ocean temperatures since 1850.
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CLIMATE

Tracking how our land and oceans have become hotter

By Ninian Carter

October 31, 2021 - November 12, 2021 - Extreme weather events linked to climate change – such as heatwaves, floods and forest fires – now occur with alarming regularity. The past decade was the warmest since records began. COP26 is the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference – this year being held in Glasgow, Scotland, from October 31 to November 12.

During COP26, 200 countries will be asked what their plans are to cut emissions by 2030.

In 2015, most nations agreed to make changes to keep global warming below 2°C above pre-industrial levels – and to try and aim for 1.5°C – thus avoiding a forecast climate catastrophe. This meeting has become widely known as the “Paris Agreement”.

The world is becoming warmer, largely because of fossil fuel emissions caused by humans. As a result, extreme weather events linked to climate change such as heatwaves, floods and forest fires are becoming more and more common.

China’s commitment in particular is crucial as it is the world’s biggest polluter due to its reliance and investment in coal power stations.

Australia too is the world’s top coal exporter, and although outwardly accepting the Paris Agreement, it has since resisted committing to net-zero by 2050, unlike the UK and United States.

Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison, has even cast doubt on attending the event at all, and has been criticised for showing a lack of enthusiasm for tackling climate change.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 01/10/2021; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Associated Press
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