NEW YORK – There is no denying the reality of global warming. Each year is hotter than the preceding one. Last month alone was the hottest January on record. Recurring natural disasters – floods, fires, droughts, and hurricanes – are becoming more extreme and frequent. The world has blown through the goal of limiting warming to 1.5º Celsius above the pre-industrial level. At this rate, climate change could define the second half of this century.