Temperature rise of more than 1.5 Celsius threatens Pacific, leaders say

Climate ChangeIslands seek greater global action as UN report forecasts more extreme weatherLeaders pose for a group photo during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in Koror, Palau on Sept. 2. © ReutersSOPHIE MAKSeptember 2, 2026 19:07 JSTKOROR, Palau -- A United Nations report released on Wednesday forecasts global temperatures to cross the threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels in the next few years, potentially devastating Pacific island countries that are susceptible to climate disasters.