Deal seeks below 2C, but 5C by century's end looms large

Negotiators in Paris are trying to craft a deal at the UN climate talks that will keep global temperature rise below 2C. But what does that mean in reality - and what difference will a couple of extra degrees really make?

Without action, climate scientists have warned that temperatures could rise by nearly 5C above pre-industrial levels by 2100. World leaders meeting in Paris hope to keep average global surface temperature rises below 2C – but their pledges to cut emissions could still see up to 3C according to analyses. While it is very hard to make firm predictions, here are some of the potential impacts. All are for possible temperature rises occurring by 2100.

Read the story from The Guardian Australia - “Paris climate talks: what difference will temperature rises really make?”

Guardian Sustainable Business launched in Australia.

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s the world puts its hope in the Paris UN climate change conference to bring real sustainable change to the future of our planet, Guardian Australia is pleased to announce the launch of Guardian Sustainable Business (GSB) in Australia.

Businesses, alongside governments and citizens, will lead the way towards a more equitable, sustainable future. Along with our UK and US counterparts, GSB Australia will investigate the social and environmental impact of business in Australia.

Read The Guardian Australia story - “'We can't go on as we are': why sustainability is the big issue of our time.”