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Global temperatures could rise 1.5 degrees by 2020, researchers say

Global temperatures could rise 1.5 degrees in the next five years, much faster than previously thought, according to new modelling.

A landmark climate deal struck in Paris last year saw almost 200 countries agree to work to limit temperature rises to "well below two degrees" and work towards limiting the increase to 1.5 degrees.

University of Queensland solar and biofuels expert Professor Ben Hankamer.

But findings from Queensland researchers published on Thursday predicted that barrier would be reached by 2020 if the status quo was maintained.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicted a global mean surface temperature rise of 0.3°C to 0.7°C from 2016 to 2035 in its 2014 report.