Episode 364

Global temperatures are rising faster than ever - and with a strong El Niño on the way, scientists are warning we could temporarily breach 2°C of warming above pre-industrial levels. While other models suggest it may only hit 1.75°C, either option is bad news for the climate.

The European state of the climate report has just been released, painting a picture of a rapidly warming world. Temperatures in Europe are rising faster than any other continent - and places like Iceland, Norway and the UK have all experienced record breaking years.

As we’re already watching the impacts of this heat on biodiversity, wildfires, harvests and more - can we handle a 2°C rise in temperatures? And does this signal the end of the Paris goal to limit warming to 1.5°C? 

Despite the gloom, there is one glimmer of hope. One species of warm water corals seems to have adapted to these extreme surges in heat - and is surviving against the odds.

Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet are joined by New Scientist reporters Alec Luhn and James Woodford.

To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/

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