The UN has declared the last decade as a period of extreme heat, with 2024 being the hottest year on record. Key figures like Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasize the urgency for countries to reduce emissions to combat climate change. The World Meteorological Organization reports on the significant impacts of climate change, including increased extreme weather events and associated human tolls.
In 2024, the United Nations (UN) has officially recognized that the world has experienced a decade of unprecedented heat, marking the last ten years as the hottest on record. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres conveyed this alarming observation through his New Year message, emphasizing that human activities are contributing to increasingly severe weather patterns. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is expected to release definitive temperature data in January, which will confirm that 2024 will be the warmest year recorded, reinforcing the urgency for global action to combat climate change.
The WMO has cautioned that the relentless rise of greenhouse gas emissions continues to set new records, which in turn exacerbates global warming and future weather extremes. Mr. Guterres highlighted the critical need for countries to dramatically reduce emissions by 2025 to steer the world towards a sustainable, renewable future. Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the WMO, reiterated that even minor increases in temperature can result in severe climate events, highlighting the dire impacts witnessed across various nations, including extensive flooding and devastating heatwaves that have adversely affected countless communities.
WMO analysis indicates that climate change has intensified 26 of the 29 extreme weather incidents reviewed, leading to thousands of fatalities and significant displacements. Furthermore, the report by World Weather Attribution revealed that 2024 saw an additional 41 days of hazardous heat, compelling international cooperation and action to manage the escalating risks posed by severe heat events. The urgency for global collaboration and proactive measures to address climate-related challenges has never been more pressing.
The issue at hand revolves around the alarming trend of rising global temperatures over the past decade. According to the United Nations and its climate agency, worldwide temperatures have reached unprecedented levels due to human-induced climate change. The ramifications of this warming trend have manifested in extreme weather conditions, including floods, intense heatwaves, and severe storms, which have resulted in loss of life and significant economic costs. Understanding the role of greenhouse gases and the need for immediate action is crucial in addressing the climate crisis and preventing further deterioration of the environment.
In conclusion, the UN’s acknowledgment of a decade marked by unprecedented heat underscored the critical need for urgent action to combat climate change. With data confirming that 2024 has been the hottest year on record, it is incumbent upon nations and international organizations to collaborate effectively and implement strategies to mitigate the impacts of rising temperatures. The findings from the WMO and World Weather Attribution affirm that immediate and concerted efforts are essential in addressing the profound threats posed by climate change to communities worldwide.
Original Source: nation.cymru
