Earth Day’s 45th anniversary marks the year in which world leaders finally pass a binding climate change treaty in a bid to avert possible natural catastrophes

Leading scientists have set out what a global climate deal, set to be negotiated in Paris this year, needs to achieve.

In a statement, they warn that the world risks dangerous climate change and crossing tipping points in the earth systems which could lead to “dramatic and irreversible environmental changes”. And they say there are eight essential elements for a deal in Paris.

• Governments must put in practice their commitment to limit global warming to below 2˚C, and the world should aim to stay as far below that as possible as even with 2˚C warming there is likely to be significant damage and disruption, the experts warn.

• The world must stick to a global ‘carbon budget’ for its future emissions of less than 1,000 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide, which will require at least three quarters of all known fossil fuel reserves to stay in the ground.

• There is a need to fundamentally transform the economy and adopt a global goal to phase out greenhouse gases completely by 2050, cutting fossil fuel subsidies and redirecting investment into renewables.

• Equity is crucial, so while every country must formulate plans for tackling emissions that are consistent with “deep decarbonisation”, rich countries and progressive industries should take the lead and decarbonise well before mid-century.

• There is a need to unleash a wave of climate innovation and enable universal access to solutions the world already has.

• A global strategy is needed to reduce vulnerability, build resilience and deal with loss and damage to communities from the impacts of climate change.

• ‘Carbon sinks’ and vital ecosystems, such as forests, grasslands and aquatic systems, must be safeguarded – a move which is as important for protecting the climate as cutting emissions.

• New levels and sources of climate finance must be urgently found for developing countries, to enable the rapid transition to zero-carbon, climate resilient societies, the scientists urge.