The Earth's climate will continue to warm for decades, even if all greenhouse gas emissions cease today, due to its significant inertia.

The Zero Emissions Commitment (ZEC) concept suggests that temperatures will rise moderately for 10 to 20 years before stabilizing if all CO₂ emissions are halted immediately.

Achieving carbon neutrality is essential for stabilizing temperatures, but visible stabilization may take years, underscoring the urgency for immediate action.

Aerosols, which have a cooling effect, could lead to a temporary temperature spike if emissions stop suddenly, highlighting the need for coordinated management of pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) can linger in the atmosphere for up to 1,000 years, significantly influencing future warming levels even after emissions cease.

Since the 1970s, oceans have absorbed over 90% of excess heat, slowly releasing it and prolonging global warming despite a halt in emissions.

Sea level rise will persist for centuries, driven by melting ice sheets and thermal expansion, which poses severe implications for coastal populations and ecosystems.

Even if temperatures stabilize, sea levels will continue to rise for centuries, further impacting coastal areas globally.

It's important to note that stabilization of temperatures does not equate to a return to pre-industrial climate conditions, as ongoing extreme weather and biodiversity loss will continue.

Immediate action is crucial to limit warming to 1.5 °C, necessitating significant transformations in global energy, industrial, and agricultural systems.