The WMO has declared 2024 will be the warmest year recorded, driven by human-induced climate change. Greenhouse gas levels reached record highs, leading to extreme weather events, including flooding and intense heat. The importance of international cooperation on climate adaptation and mitigation strategies was emphasized, alongside a focus on the cryosphere in 2025.
GENEVA, 30th December 2024 (WAM) – The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has announced that 2024 is anticipated to be the warmest year on record, concluding a decade marked by extreme heat exacerbated by human activity. In a report released today, the WMO noted that greenhouse gas concentrations have reached unprecedented levels, which will contribute to further warming in the future. WMO will provide the final global temperature data for 2024 in January, accompanied by its comprehensive State of the Global Climate report scheduled for March 2025.
According to WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo, “Every fraction of a degree of warming matters, and increases climate extremes, impacts and risks.” The past year has witnessed catastrophic weather events worldwide, including severe rains and flooding that have resulted in significant loss of life across various continents. Recent tropical cyclones, particularly devastating in Mayotte, have highlighted the dire human and economic impacts of such climate disasters. The year was characterized by extreme temperatures exceeding 50 °C and destructive wildfires across multiple nations.
The report underscores the pressing need for the WMO’s initiatives, such as “Early Warnings for All,” aimed at enhancing climate adaptation and service development. Additionally, the WMO is advancing the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch initiative and remains instrumental in supporting the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change due to the increasing severity of extreme weather and heat events. Looking forward to 2025, there will be a concentrated focus on the cryosphere in observance of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation.
The increasing intensity of climate change events has been acknowledged in recent findings from World Weather Attribution, indicating that climate change was a factor in 26 out of 29 severe weather incidents in 2024, leading to over 3,700 fatalities and the displacement of millions. This year alone recorded 41 additional days of extreme heat, significantly impacting human health and ecosystems. In light of these growing challenges, the WMO emphasizes the necessity for international collaboration to effectively mitigate extreme heat risks, as evidenced by a recent gathering of experts from 15 international organizations and 12 countries focused on this pressing issue.
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) plays a crucial role in monitoring climate conditions and weather patterns globally. In recent years, climate change has led to an increase in extreme weather events, prompting organizations like the WMO to conduct extensive research and provide critical data to enhance the understanding of these phenomena. The recommendations provided by the WMO aim to improve disaster preparedness and response as climate challenges intensify over time. Understanding the implications of rising temperatures and its correlation with human activities is essential for global climate action.
In conclusion, the findings presented by the WMO regarding the year 2024 highlight the severe impact of climate change and the associated risks that come with rising global temperatures. It sends a strong message about the necessity for urgent international action to address climate challenges. As indicated, the increasing occurrence of extreme weather events necessitates global collaboration to mitigate these risks and enhance preparedness for future climate impacts.
Original Source: www.wam.ae
