Climate. UN admits that the 1.5-degree target can no longer be met, but says that "exceeding it is not surrender"

The UN acknowledges that the 1.5 degrees Celsius climate goal is no longer achievable, but emphasizes that exceeding this limit is not a surrender. The Emissions Gap Report 2026 indicates that while the world is on track to surpass this threshold, it can still return to it by the century's end if governments significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions. Current policies predict a global temperature rise of about 2.8 degrees by century's end, with even full compliance with existing commitments leading to a 2.6-degree increase. The report suggests that achieving a peak warming of 1.7 to 1.8 degrees mid-century is possible, requiring substantial emission reductions. UN officials stress the urgency of action to mitigate climate impacts and highlight the need for renewed efforts to limit warming.