Climate & Environment
Well-Below 2°C Pathway
Definition
A well-below 2°C pathway is a modelled emissions and decarbonisation trajectory aligned with the Paris Agreement goal of holding the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C while pursuing efforts toward 1.5°C. Scenario sets such as the IEA Sustainable Development Scenario and Science Based Targets initiative sector pathways operationalise the benchmark.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Well-Below 2°C Pathway” is defined and used.
Source imported for editorial provenance.
Overview
How it is used
SBTi historically validated targets against well-below 2°C and 1. 5°C pathways; investors assess portfolio alignment using pathway benchmarks; regulators and disclosure frameworks reference Paris-aligned pathways in transition-plan guidance.
Why it matters
It converts the Paris temperature goal into a measurable yardstick, giving target-setting and climate claims a common scientific reference point.