A major report prepared by the United Nations body for climate change, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, has called for "rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society".
The report, which is based on more than 6,000 scientific references from 91 authors across 40 countries, outlines the impacts of global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
The scientists claim increased temperatures are leading to extreme weather, rising sea levels, and diminishing Arctic sea ice, among other changes to the environment.
Australian professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg of the University of Queensland said: "The report strongly concludes that climate change is already affecting people, ecosystems and livelihood all around the world and that is beyond reasonable doubt that humans are responsible."
According to the report: "Global net human-caused emissions of carbon dioxide would need to fall by about 45% from 2010 levels by 2030 to reach 'net zero' around 2050" — that would theoretically leave us with just 12 years to turn climate change around.
Here are the key insights and actions points recommended in the report, courtesy of the Australian Academy of Science:
