In 2024, over 150 unprecedented climate disasters were reported by the UN’s WMO, signifying the severe impacts of climate change. The year became the hottest on record, displacing over 800,000 people. Extreme heatwaves, floods, and storms affected numerous regions globally, with experts urging immediate action to address the growing crisis.
In 2024, the climate crisis reached alarming levels as the UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported over 150 unprecedented climate disasters, including extreme heatwaves, floods, and storms. This year is declared the hottest on record, resulting in significant devastation, with more than 800,000 individuals displaced—marking the highest annual figure since record-keeping began in 2008.
The WMO’s report highlights severe heatwaves, with temperatures soaring to 49.9°C in Western Australia and 49.7°C in Iran. Major rainfall events led to extensive flooding and landslides across Italy, Senegal, Pakistan, and Brazil, devastating communities and agricultural production. In addition, 2024 witnessed an unprecedented six typhoons striking the Philippines within a month, underscoring the escalating intensity of storms linked to global warming.
The report emphasizes that the past decade has seen the 10 hottest years on record, yet global carbon emissions continue to rise, contributing to worsening climate impacts. This situation was exacerbated by the U.S. administration’s actions against climate science, leading experts to voice their concerns regarding the ramifications of ignoring scientific evidence. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged leaders to implement effective climate strategies, highlighting the necessity of exceptional national climate plans.
Experts from various organizations reiterated the urgency of addressing the climate crisis. Dr. Luke Parsons remarked on the unprecedented temperatures of 2024 and projected further increases in temperature in the coming decade. Previous research indicates that the climate crisis has intensified natural disasters, with about 550 events becoming more severe due to global heating.
Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel criticized the destruction of climate information under the Trump administration, emphasizing that attempts to conceal climate science cannot prevent the worsening consequences of climate change. Professor Stefan Rahmstorf pointed out that global warming has persisted as predicted for decades, with urgent action required to transition away from fossil fuels.
The WMO secretary general, Prof. Celeste Saulo, called for better early warning systems and investment in climate services, stating that only half of all nations currently have sufficient systems in place. Enhancing resilience against extreme weather conditions has become imperative, as investment in climate resilience reportedly yields significant cost savings in damages.
The situation calls for immediate and decisive actions to combat climate change and protect vulnerable populations from increasingly severe climate-related disasters.
The WMO’s report illustrates a troubling escalation in climate disasters in 2024, necessitating urgent global action to mitigate impacts. The alarming statistics highlight the link between rising global temperatures and extreme weather events. Experts widely call for enhanced climate strategies and investments in resilience systems to better protect communities from future risks and ensure public health amid the climate crisis.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
