2024 is set to become the hottest year on record, surpassing 2023, with global temperatures expected to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Extreme weather events have become increasingly prevalent, attributed to human-induced climate change. The inadequacy of recent climate agreements raises concerns for vulnerable nations, while carbon emissions continue to rise despite pledges for reduction.
According to a report released by European Union scientists, 2024 is projected to be the hottest year on record, with global temperatures expected to remain exceptionally high well into the early months of 2025. This information is part of the data compiled by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), affirming that this year will surpass previous records, including 2023, marking the first instance where average global temperatures exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above levels recorded from 1850 to 1900.
The findings come shortly after the recent United Nations climate negotiations, which produced a $300 billion deal aimed at addressing climate change. However, many poorer nations criticized this agreement as inadequate for the escalating costs associated with climate-related disasters. Throughout 2024, extreme weather events have been rampant, encompassing severe droughts in Italy and South America, catastrophic floods across Nepal, Sudan, and Europe, and intense heatwaves in regions such as Mexico and Saudi Arabia, which have resulted in substantial loss of life. Notably, scientific research has established a connection between these severe incidents and human-induced climate change.
November 2024 has emerged as the second warmest November on record, following closely behind November 2023. Julien Nicolas, a climate researcher at Copernicus, stated, “We are still in near-record-high territory for global temperatures, and that is likely to persist at least for several more months.” The primary driver of climate change continues to be carbon dioxide emissions linked to fossil fuel consumption. Many governments aspire to achieve net zero emissions, but global CO2 output is anticipated to reach a new peak this year.
Furthermore, scientists are observing potential developments of the La Nina weather phenomenon, which could temporarily cool temperatures if it materializes in 2025. Nonetheless, such an occurrence would not reverse the overarching trend of warming attributable to emissions. The current climate states are classified as neutral after the cessation of an El Niño event earlier this year. As noted by Friederike Otto, a senior lecturer at Imperial College London, “While 2025 might be slightly cooler than 2024, if a La Nina event develops, this does not mean temperatures will be ‘safe’ or ‘normal.’ We will still experience high temperatures, resulting in dangerous heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, and tropical cyclones.”
The Copernicus Climate Change Service maintains temperature records starting from 1940, corroborated by historical data extending back to 1850. These analyses highlight the urgency of addressing climate change and mitigating its impacts through coordinated global action.
The topic of climate change remains a pressing global issue, with scientists continually monitoring temperature patterns and extreme weather events to understand their relationship to human activities. The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) plays a critical role in providing data and analysis on climate trends. The joint efforts of international communities during climate negotiations aim to establish action plans and funding to combat the adverse effects of climate change, particularly in vulnerable regions. The rise in global temperatures has been linked primarily to greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the need for effective policies to reduce carbon footprints.
In summary, the projections for 2024 underscore a significant climatic shift as scientists declare it the hottest year on record, with repercussions already being felt worldwide through extreme weather. The inadequacy of international climate agreements to address the needs of affected nations draws attention to the urgency for more comprehensive solutions. As emissions peak, ongoing observation of climate patterns is essential to mitigate future impacts and devise effective policy strategies to combat climate change.
Original Source: www.euractiv.com
