The UN reported that climate change resulted in record heat and extreme weather in 2024, with predictions indicating it will be the hottest year recorded. Greenhouse gas emissions have reached new highs, heightening future climate risks. Notable events included severe flooding and destructive tropical cyclones. Urgent action is necessary to reduce emissions and switch to renewable energy by 2025 to combat this climate crisis.
The United Nations has reported that climate change led to widespread extreme weather and unprecedented heat levels in 2024. This year is on track to become the hottest year on record, marking a significant increase in greenhouse gas emissions that threaten to raise global temperatures further. The World Meteorological Organization has indicated that extreme weather events, such as significant rainfall and devastating tropical cyclones, were prevalent throughout the year. In particular, tropical cyclones inflicted serious tolls in regions like Mayotte, with intense heat waves pushing temperatures beyond 50 degrees Celsius in multiple countries and resulting in destructive wildfires.
The global climate crisis, exacerbated by rising temperatures that exceeded the limits set by the 2015 Paris Agreement, has reached a critical point. As highlighted by the WMO, the January to September period of 2024 recorded an average temperature that is projected to surpass the previous year’s record. In reflecting on the decade’s extreme heat patterns, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need to transition towards renewable energy and take significant measures to reduce emissions by 2025. This could pave the way towards a sustainable future, mitigating the adverse effects of climate breakdown.
The issue of climate change has gained considerable attention over the past decades due to its detrimental effects on the environment and humanity. The Paris Agreement of 2015 set ambitious targets for limiting global warming to well below two degrees Celsius, with an ideal goal of 1.5 degrees. However, the relentless rise in greenhouse gas emissions and the corresponding increase in average global temperatures have cast doubt on the feasibility of achieving these targets. Recent reports highlight the dire consequences of climate inaction, with 2024 emerging as a significant year that reflects the intensifying impact of climate change.
In conclusion, the year 2024 stands as a stark reminder of the profound dangers posed by climate change. The United Nations’ findings underline the necessity for immediate action to curb greenhouse gas emissions and foster a transition to renewable energy sources. Continued inaction could lead to even more catastrophic weather events and environmental degradation, emphasizing the importance of global cooperation in addressing this pressing challenge.
Original Source: www.france24.com