The negotiators and activists preparing to attend the upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai are well aware that it is highly unlikely to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. However, it is crucial to share this reality more widely, as it may be the only way to gather the political will necessary to move beyond incremental actions and embrace disruptive measures that match the scale of the challenge. This article discusses the challenges of achieving the 1.5°C target, the consequences of exceeding it, and the need for transformative actions to address the climate crisis.