What’s important about this report is that it suggests that working to achieve 1.5°C might just make it easier to meet several of the SDGs too. Renewable energy and the potential it has to plug off-grid power gaps, for example, may be indispensable to achieving universal energy access. Reducing vulnerability of food systems can help to end hunger and malnutrition around the world.
Limiting global warming to 1.5°C will avoid large-scale economic losses and associated harmful consequences for society during the first half of the twentyfirst century. Socio-economic impacts from climate change depend on both the type, intensity and frequency of climatic shock experienced, as well as the
vulnerability of communities.
The degree of economic damages avoided through strong climate action therefore varies significantly from country to country. The latest research is presented here on the economic damages associated with a
high warming scenario that reflects current policies, versus keeping to the 1.5°C limit. Based on the latest IPCC climate models and historical patterns of GDP and temperature fluctuations, the clear pattern projected for most economies, large and small, is a significant negative wealth correction by mid-century, unless more stringent emissions cuts are realised. This further strengthens the case for limiting warming to 1.5°C.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC will release its own special report on 1.5°C in 2018 ahead of the planned facilitative dialogue on progress towards the Paris Agreement long-term goal. As a prelude to that contribution, this report is a welcome addition to the global discussion, promoting ambitious
actions that align with the Paris Agreement and will achieve results on the ground.