The year 2024 has been recorded as the hottest, coinciding with devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, driven by greenhouse gas emissions. The increase in temperature raises concerns about the Paris Agreement, as global average temperatures rise by 1.6°C. The inauguration of a climate-skeptical leader in the U.S. threatens to reverse climate progress, further exacerbating the crisis, with significant implications for global climate commitments and risks of severe disasters intensifying worldwide.
As the world grapples with alarming climate changes, the year 2024 has been declared the hottest on record, coinciding with devastating fires engulfing vast areas of Los Angeles. The primary contributor to this drastic increase in temperature has been the rampant accumulation of greenhouse gases due to the ongoing combustion of fossil fuels. Alarmingly, the global average temperature has surged by 1.6°C compared to the latter half of the 19th century, raising concerns over the viability of the Paris climate agreement, which seeks to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
This year has witnessed a series of catastrophic events, including storm-related damage in Mayotte, flooding in Valencia, and wildfires in Canada exacerbated by unprecedented heatwaves across the United States. In California, the convergence of extreme temperatures, prolonged drought, and fierce winds has intensified wildfire conditions, tragically leading to numerous fatalities, extensive property damage, and significant evacuations. Simultaneously, regions worldwide are experiencing similar escalations in heat, triggering large-scale megafires.
As if this were not enough, the upcoming inauguration of a leader who dismisses climate change as a “hoax” is poised to further hinder progress. This individual is expected to enhance oil and gas production, withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement, and dismantle previous climate initiatives. These actions, coupled with a shifting climate narrative in Europe regarding the Green Deal, indicate a troubling retreat from climate commitments driven by political missteps and ideological changes, particularly from the United States.
Moreover, significant withdrawal from financial commitments related to the Paris Agreement by U.S. banks signals a regression in climate priorities, as these institutions anticipate an upsurge in fossil fuel demands. The famous assertion by Winston Churchill, “You can always count on the Americans to do the right thing after they have tried everything else,” now seems excessively optimistic given the current climate policies advocated by the future U.S. president. As warning signs proliferate globally, the implications of climate denial and nationalism are likely to result in severe consequences, not just for Americans but for the entire planet. If the United States ultimately commits to addressing climate change, it may be too late to avert disaster.
The article focuses on the escalating climate crisis as demonstrated by the announcement that 2024 is the hottest year on record, correlated with extreme weather events, particularly in the United States. It discusses the role of fossil fuel emissions in contributing to global warming and emphasizes the risks associated with current geopolitical leadership, particularly in the U.S. The piece reviews recent natural disasters driven by climate change, the implications of withdrawing from international climate agreements, and the degradation of previously established climate initiatives. It highlights both emerging calamities worldwide and the potential reversal of climate progress as a result of political decisions, drawing a critical connection between current events and long-term climate goals.
In conclusion, the world is experiencing unprecedented climate challenges highlighted by record-breaking temperatures and catastrophic weather patterns. The attitudes and policies of the incoming U.S. administration, which include potential rollbacks of environmental protections and a rejection of the Paris Agreement, threaten to exacerbate these crises. Furthermore, financial institutions withdrawing from climate commitments illustrate a dangerous shift away from proactive climate strategies. The urgent need for comprehensive climate action cannot be overstated, as future generations depend on the decisions made today.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
