In 2024, climate change records were shattered with global temperatures likely exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial averages and greenhouse gas concentrations at their highest in 800,000 years. The year marked the warmest since 175 years of data collection, and extreme weather events globally have intensified, underscoring urgent needs for better climate action and a shift to renewable energy sources.
Climate change presents an unprecedented challenge to humanity, necessitating urgent action. The World Meteorological Organization’s annual “State of the Climate” report reveals 2024 marked an alarming milestone: it likely became the first year with global temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial averages. Additionally, atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations reached levels not seen for 800,000 years, underlining the urgency of addressing climate change effectively.
The report indicates that 2024 was the warmest year on record since global data collection began, with temperatures approximately 1.55°C warmer than those recorded between 1850 and 1900. During this period, the planet also experienced a notable increase in global mean temperature, jumping approximately 0.15°C over previous years. Though 2024’s temperatures have not permanently breached the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal, the escalation is concerning.
Several factors contributed to the record temperatures, including the El Niño phenomenon, the reduction of air pollution from shipping, and increased solar activity. Researchers continue to analyze the reasons behind the temperature surge in 2023 and 2024, but they agree that human-induced climate change is a significant driver of these concerning trends.
Additional alarming statistics emerge from the report, such as atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations reaching 427 parts per million and sea levels rising 11 centimeters since the early 1990s. Glacial melt and ocean acidification are continuing at unprecedented rates, while seasonal sea ice around the Arctic and Antarctic has decreased significantly.
Extreme weather events in 2024 highlighted the severity of climate change impacts globally. North America, Europe, and Australia received extensive media coverage following disasters like Hurricane Helene and severe flooding. However, less attention was paid to incidents in Africa and Southeast Asia, including devastation from Super Typhoon Yagi in the Philippines, and Cyclone Chido in Mozambique, which displaced over 100,000 people.
Additionally, drought conditions ravaged southern Africa and significantly impacted farming communities, while record-breaking droughts affected the Amazon tributaries. The consequences of extreme temperatures were felt worldwide, exemplified by the tragic deaths of over 1,300 individuals during the Hajj in Mecca due to excessive heat and humidity.
The WMO’s report alongside the highlighted extreme weather indicates a wake-up call regarding climate change’s consequences. Although the scientific community has long understood the mechanisms behind greenhouse gas warming, actionable responses remain insufficient. To mitigate further detriment, a pivot away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy is essential to reach net-zero emissions and prevent exacerbation of climate-related issues.
In summary, the World Meteorological Organization’s report on the climate situation in 2024 reveals alarming records of rising temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions. Human-induced climate change plays a pivotal role in the drastic weather events and environmental changes witnessed across the globe. To avert further escalation of climate impacts, immediate and substantial actions are necessary, particularly transitioning from fossil fuel usage to renewable energy sources. The time to act is now, as every fraction of a degree of warming continues to jeopardize the planet’s future.
Original Source: eveningreport.nz
