The World Meteorological Organization declares 2024 as the warmest year on record, driven by human-induced climate change. Anticipated reports will detail temperature increases, while extreme weather events have had catastrophic consequences worldwide. Urgent international cooperation is called for to address the growing threats posed by climate change and extreme heat.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has announced that 2024 is projected to become the warmest year on record, consolidating a pattern of extreme heat driven by human actions over the past decade. In a report issued on December 30, 2024, WMO noted that greenhouse gas concentrations have reached unprecedented levels, which will continue to contribute to future warming. The organization plans to release the global temperature figures for 2024 in January and a comprehensive climate report in March 2025.
Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized, “Every fraction of a degree of warming matters, and increases climate extremes, impacts and risks.” The year witnessed catastrophic weather phenomena, including record rainfall, severe flooding, and heatwaves exceeding 50 °C in many regions. This extreme weather underscores the urgency of initiatives like “Early Warnings for All,” which is essential for climate adaptation.
In 2025, there will be significant emphasis on the cryosphere in alignment with the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, endorsed by UNESCO and WMO. A report revealed that climate change exacerbated the severity of 26 out of 29 extreme weather events, leading to the deaths of over 3700 individuals and displacing millions. WMO advocates for increased international collaboration to mitigate the risks associated with rising global temperatures and frequent extreme heat events.
The WMO provides critical assessments on climate change, underscoring the link between human activities and environmental consequences. In light of intensifying climate extremes, the WMO’s reports serve as essential indicators of the ongoing climate crisis, as evidenced by rising greenhouse gas levels and escalating global temperatures. The increasing frequency of severe weather events necessitates immediate action to bolster climate resilience through adaptation and mitigation strategies.
The report from the WMO highlights the alarming trajectory of global warming, indicating that climate change is significantly magnifying extreme weather events. With a focus on the foreseeable future, it is imperative that nations collaborate to enhance preparedness and formulate adaptive strategies against the challenges posed by climate change. The continued rise in greenhouse gas emissions necessitates urgent and collective action to safeguard both human health and ecological systems.
Original Source: www.wam.ae
