A new study published this week warns that sea levels could rise up to 8-12 inches per decade within the lifetime of today’s youngest generations, outpacing coastal communities’ ability to adapt. The research, led by a team of international experts in sea level and polar ice, suggests that limiting warming to 2.7°F (1.5°C) above pre-industrial temperatures may not be enough to prevent a worst-case meltdown of Earth’s polar ice sheets.
Experts recommend a more ambitious target of 1.8°F (1°C) to maintain a safe climate in the long term. Durham University geographer Chris Stokes, co-author of the paper, notes that previous studies have highlighted the high risks of warming above 1°C, citing evidence from past warm periods and simple calculations of ice sheet mass balance.
As Earth’s average global temperature has already breached the Paris Agreement target of 1.5°C, scientists are calling for a more ambitious long-term climate goal. Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have reached 430 ppm, a 50% increase over pre-industrial levels.
Source: https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/05/paris-agreement-target-wont-protect-polar-ice-sheets-scientists-warn