The UN has reported that climate change has caused severe extreme weather and record high temperatures in 2024, with greenhouse gas emissions reaching new highs. The WMO indicates that global temperatures continue to rise sharply, urging immediate action to combat climate change and adhere to the Paris Agreement to minimize future risks.
The United Nations has reported that climate change has led to significant extreme weather events and unprecedented heat levels in 2024. According to the UN’s weather and climate agency, the year is poised to become the warmest on record, following a decade of intense heat. Concurrently, greenhouse gas emissions have reached alarming new heights, further exacerbating the situation. World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized that the effects of climate change are increasingly visible through the rise in extreme weather incidents, including catastrophic rainfall, flooding, and devastating heatwaves. Notably, numerous countries experienced temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), with wildfires inflicting severe damage.Member states of the United Nations have been encouraged to align with the 2015 Paris climate accords, which aim to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, striving for a target of 1.5 degrees Celsius where feasible. Recent data indicates that the temperature from January to September 2024 was approximately 1.54 degrees Celsius higher than the average before industrialization. This positions the current year on track to surpass last year’s record of 1.45 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The WMO is expected to release consolidated global temperature figures for 2024 in January, with a comprehensive report to follow in March. In his New Year address, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted the alarming trend of extreme heat over the past decade, declaring it a ‘climate breakdown in real time.’ He urged for immediate global action to curb emissions and transition towards renewable energy sources, highlighting the urgency of the situation as humanity is developing a pathway towards a sustainable future.
The increasing impact of climate change has been intensely scrutinized over the past decade, with rising global temperatures and extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe. The 2015 Paris Agreement serves as an international framework aimed at mitigating climate change by limiting global warming. Recent reports from the World Meteorological Organization have shown alarming increases in air temperatures, correlated with unsustainably high levels of greenhouse gas emissions driven primarily by human activities such as fossil fuel combustion. The urgency of addressing these issues has become more apparent, urging governments and organizations worldwide to take proactive measures to combat climate change.
In conclusion, the United Nations’ report highlights the critical impact of climate change manifested through extreme weather events and unparalleled heat levels in 2024. The consistent rise in global temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions underscores the need for immediate and decisive action to adhere to international climate agreements. Leaders and nations must commit to substantial emissions reductions and the transition to renewable energy sources to avert further environmental degradation and promote a sustainable future for all.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr