More than 190 nations began talks in Lima, Peru, about controlling greenhouse gases on Monday in order to keep global warming within 2 degrees C, or 3.6 F, of pre-industrial times, a time before there were machines and tools to help perform tasks, according to CBS News.
Scientists say much sharper emissions cuts are needed in coming decades to keep the global warming overall goal of the United Nation talks, CBS reported.
Peru's glaciers are melting and threatening water supplies to 70 percent of its citizens, and the U.N.'s weather agency is expected to present temperature data showing 2014 could be the hottest year on record, according to CBS.
To have a decent chance of reversing the warming trend before the planet hits the 2-degree mark, the world needs to slash emissions by 40 percent to 70 percent by 2050 and to near-zero by the end of the century, according to CBS.
New targets for fossil fuel use were announced ahead of the climate conference by the U.S., the European Union and China, the first Asian nation to make such a pledge, but others like Russia and Japan have yet to adhere to the limits, according to CBS.
Negotiations are supposed to lead into Paris next year with the adoption of a long-awaited climate pact, CBS reported.
Global temperatures have already risen about 0.8 degrees C, or 1.3 F, and more heat-trapping gases are emitted every year, and scientists have already plainly said there's no chance to meet that goal by not making major cuts in how the world does business.
Fossil fuels have to be flushed out and replaced with renewable energy sources to power homes, cars and industries, according to CBS.
During the talks held in Lima, Peru, discord among richer countries and poorer countries are sure to arise, because the poorest nations need help to develop their economies responsibly, without aggravating global warming, CBS reported.
