Scientists from Europe project that 2024 may set a new temperature record, potentially exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This alarming prediction signals an urgent need for increased climate action ahead of COP29 discussions, highlighting the detrimental impact of carbon emissions from fossil fuels on global temperatures and extreme weather events.
Recent analyses from Europe’s climate agency, the Copernicus Climate Change Service, indicate that 2024 is poised to be a record-breaking year concerning global temperatures, potentially surpassing 2023, which currently holds the record for the hottest year. Forecasts suggest that climate conditions will cross the critical threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a benchmark recognized since the advent of significant fossil fuel consumption. These findings emerge as world leaders convene at the COP29 climate meeting in Azerbaijan, where discussions are expected to urge for increased funding aimed at mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
The underlying framework for understanding these predictions is rooted in observations of historical climate data, particularly since the 1850-1900 period when industrial activities began escalating greenhouse gas emissions. The consequences of this warming are felt worldwide, leading to extreme climate events, including devastating floods and wildfires. Scientific consensus underlines that human-induced factors, particularly carbon emissions from fossil fuels, are driving the persistent rise in global temperatures, necessitating urgent and enhanced global climate action.
In summary, the data presented by the Copernicus agency serves as a stark reminder of the growing urgency surrounding climate change, emphasizing that without decisive action to curtail fossil fuel use, the 1.5-degree Celsius limit set forth in the Paris Agreement may soon be breached. Global commitment to climate action remains critical to averting the most catastrophic impacts of climate change on both humanity and the planet.
Original Source: learningenglish.voanews.com
