Hot, hot world: Planet may breach 1.5°C warming within five years

According to the Met Office's updated global 10-year climate prediction, there is a 90% chance of at least one year between 2021-2025 being the hottest on record. Photo: AFP

The world may temporarily breach the 1.5°C warming mark within the next five years, according to an updated assessment of global climate trends released May 27.

The World Meterological Organization and Britain's Met Office said there was a 40% chance of the annual average global temperature surpassing 1.5°C above pre-industrial temperatures – the aspirational warming limit of the Paris climate accord.