ABSTRACT
Building on the science of global warming explored in the previous chapter, this chapter examines its observable and projected impacts on ecosystems, societies, and economies. It highlights phenomena such as rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ecosystem disruptions while addressing their broader socio-economic repercussions. Drawing on the latest findings from the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), the chapter underscores the urgent need for global action to mitigate these effects.
The chapter outlines the cascading consequences of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which have driven global surface temperatures to approximately 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels. It explores the disproportionate impacts on vulnerable communities, who often contribute the least to climate change but suffer its harshest consequences. Key topics include the intensification of heatwaves, droughts, and tropical cyclones, as well as their implications for food and water security, human health, urban infrastructure, and migration patterns.
Informed by scenarios of future warming (1.5°C, 2°C, 3°C, and 4°C), the chapter details the potential for widespread socio-economic crises and irreversible ecological damage if emissions continue unchecked. By presenting the IPCC’s evidence-based projections, the chapter highlights the critical importance of immediate, ambitious global policies to transition to a low-carbon future and avert catastrophic outcomes.
