Climate Change: 4.3-Degree Temperature Jump May Occur, Warns IEA

The Earth may be in for a scorcher in the future. The International Energy Agency (IEA) announced that temperatures could just by as much as 4.3 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. Now, they're calling for countries to improve their pledges when it comes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Currently, the proposed emissions cuts from 2020 offered by governments are unlikely to cause average temperature rises to stay within 2 degrees Celsius, according to Reuters. The temperature rises could actually contribute to worsening floods, droughts and possibly rising seas as ice melts.

"We face a moment of opportunity, but also of great risk," writes Maria van der Hoeven, the Executive Director of the International Energy Agency (IEA), in the forward to the organization's latest report, World Energy Outlook Special Report 2015: Energy and Climate Change. "The world is counting on the UN climate talks in Paris later this year to achieve a global agreement that puts us on a more sustainable path."

Unfortunately, if governments don't strengthen their policies, the world may be on the path to increase in temperatures by 4.3 degrees Celsius over the northern hemisphere, and even more in urban areas. This type of temperature rise would lead to more frequent extreme weather events around the world.

"The International Energy Agency is rather conservative," said Karsen Smid, campaign leader for climate and energy with Greenpeace Germany, in an interview with DW. "So if even they are saying we should move on to renewable energy, this is remarkable."

Currently, countries are preparing for a crucial UN meeting, the 21^st Conference of Parties, or COP 21 of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

"Agreeing on a mechanism at COP21 that will permit reviewing the level of ambition every five years will regularly shine a light on progress," writes the agency.

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