Every fraction of a degree matters. If we don't hit 1.5°C, then we get additional sets of impacts. Let's be clear: 1.5°C is not a safe threshold. It is an incredibly dangerous threshold to many people around the world, particularly in some of the poorer, more vulnerable parts of the world. We are already seeing the impacts of 1°C even in some parts of Canada and other parts of the global north. If we fail at 1.5, we might get 1.6 or 1.7. Every part of a degree will increase the impacts and increase the risk that we will get these other feedbacks, which some people call tipping points. We should make every effort we can to hold towards 1.5°C.
Unfortunately, thus far, for almost a third of a century now, we have done virtually nothing but watch emissions rise. We are on the path to a much higher temperature.