Life as we know it will need to change if the world is to limit global warming to a level that will prevent its worst effects – and it will need to change quickly.

A landmark global report about limiting global warming to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels found it remained technically possible, but would require “rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society”.

Not only would all countries need to make more aggressive cuts to emissions than ever before, it would likely require removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, through unproven and potentially risky technology.

The findings could have implications for New Zealand, particularly around the role industries such as farming and tourism…