The report includes an executive summary that accounts for why limiting global temperature rises to 2°C, compared to pre-industrial levels, is too high and that 1.5 °C is the only option. It also gives hope to low emission pathways, stating that very low emissions can still prevent the greatest loss and damages, however time is of the essence. On ice sheets and sea-level rise, the report concludes that as the global mean temperature rises by 2°C, there is a risk that long-term sea-level rise and loss of coastlines on a massive global scale can be triggered. As for sea ice at both poles, a 2°C temperature rise is way above the limit to prevent extensive sea ice loss, with severe feedbacks to global weather and climate. Further, exceeding the 1.5°C target implicates higher permafrost emissions for centuries, and even sticking by that target would still mean that mountain glaciers worldwide would lose ice. However, we could still see benefits this century to preserve the ice.  

If you are interested in learning more about Gustaf and his collegues reflections and comments on the report, please see these two excellent interviews done by SVT and Göteborgs-Posten, in Swedish:

• Forskare: Sverige riskerar giftig fisk, skred och översvämningar – Parisavtalet har missat viktiga utsläpp, SVT Nyheter.
• Forskare varnar för katastrof om permafrosten smälter, Göteborgs-posten.

Please read the State of the Cryosphere 2023 report by clicking here.