As we breach 1.5 °C, we must replace temperature limits with clean-energy targets
Quagraine, K. A., Lynas, M., Ellis, E. C.. (2026). As we breach 1.5 °C, we must replace temperature limits with clean-energy targets. Nature, doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-026-00246-z
| Title | As we breach 1.5 °C, we must replace temperature limits with clean-energy targets |
|---|---|
| Genre | Article |
| Author(s) | Kwesi A. Quagraine, M. Lynas, E. C. Ellis |
| Abstract | The authors argue that the world has already breached the 1.5°C warming limit outlined in the Paris Agreement, with global temperatures averaging 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels in 2023-2025 and projected to exceed 1.5°C around 2028. Rather than focusing on a now-unattainable temperature target, they propose shifting the focus to accelerating the clean-energy revolution. They suggest measuring climate progress through a "clean-energy shift," defined as the growth rate of clean energy generation minus the growth rate of total energy demand. The authors highlight the rapid expansion of clean energy and the increasing displacement of fossil fuels, noting that clean electricity generation recently outpaced energy demand growth. They emphasize that pursuing clean energy offers a more focused and politically feasible path to decarbonization than chasing elusive temperature targets, which can justify risky interventions like solar radiation modification. To achieve global decarbonization by 2050, policymakers should set five-year milestones for the clean-energy shift, aligning with UN climate policy processes. The authors call for increased investment in clean energy technologies and improved data transparency to track progress and ultimately transition to a 100% clean economy. |
| Publication Title | Nature |
| Publication Date | Jan 29, 2026 |
| Publisher's Version of Record | https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-026-00246-z |
| OpenSky Citable URL | https://n2t.net/ark:/85065/d7zg6xrz |
| OpenSky Listing | View on OpenSky |