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A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences warns that the world may reach the crucial threshold of global warming, where Earth’s temperature rises by 2.0 degrees Celsius, by as early as 2050. The study used artificial intelligence and machine learning to predict the future of climate change given current greenhouse gas emission levels. It found that there is a 50% probability that the 2.0 degree threshold will be reached before 2050 and an 84 in 100 chance it will be reached before 2058.
The study finds that even with substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, there is a high probability that the 2.0 degree threshold will be reached before 2065. This warming will result in numerous impacts, including heat waves, prolonged warm seasons, and shortened cold seasons. If temperatures reach 2.0 degrees, it will also mean that heat extremes will reach critical thresholds for agriculture and health. The study highlights the need for action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent catastrophic consequences from global warming.