Carbon budget to stop global temperature rise of 1.5C 'could run out in just six years'

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that, at the current level of emissions, the world is on track for nearly 3C of warming by 2100. Stock picture: Alan Hamilton 

The carbon budget for stopping the Earth heating 1.5C above pre-industrial levels could run out in the next six years, according to a new study.

Scientists said the window is “rapidly closing” and at the current rate of emissions it is now more likely than not this key target of the Paris Agreement will be breached.