2024 is expected to be the hottest year on record, exacerbating climate change impacts globally. The WMO reports record greenhouse gas levels and emphasizes urgent action to reduce emissions. Key initiatives aim to enhance climate services and address extreme weather risks as severe heat and unprecedented flooding plague numerous regions.
The year 2024 is projected to be the warmest year on record, following a decade characterized by extreme temperatures primarily resulting from human activities. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has indicated that greenhouse gas emissions are at unprecedented levels, further intensifying future heat retention in the atmosphere. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency of addressing this climate crisis, advocating for significant reductions in emissions by 2025 to redirect the world toward a sustainable future.
In a statement underscoring the severity of climate change, Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted that the recent extreme weather patterns demonstrate an immediate need for action. She noted that 2024 has already witnessed dire consequences from climate change, including record-setting rainfall, disastrous floods, and unprecedented heatwaves, with many regions experiencing temperatures exceeding 50 °C.
The WMO’s message for its upcoming 75th anniversary in 2025 will focus on collective global responsibility and the need to mitigate climate risks. The organization continues to facilitate various initiatives aimed at enhancing climate resilience and adaptation, including the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch and the Early Warnings for All initiative to address extreme weather events.
Recent reports corroborate that climate change has exacerbated numerous extreme weather occurrences, leading to thousands of fatalities and widespread displacement. Moreover, experts convened at WMO headquarters in December 2024 aimed to develop a coordinated strategy to combat the escalating risks associated with extreme heat, reflecting the necessity for collaborative international efforts to safeguard public health and well-being.
As the world grapples with the repercussions of climate change, the need for enhanced climate services, accountability, and prompt action cannot be overstated. The WMO aims to continue its pivotal role in observing and mitigating the impacts of climate change into the future, marking a critical juncture in global environmental efforts.
The article emphasizes the exacerbation of climate change effects, particularly in 2024, when record-breaking heat is anticipated. The WMO reports a continuing rise in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to global warming and triggering severe weather phenomena. The focus on 2024 marks the culmination of a decade of extreme weather experiences that have taken a toll on communities worldwide. With the upcoming 75th anniversary of the WMO in 2025, there is heightened awareness and urgency to address the ongoing climate crisis.
In summary, the implications of climate change are increasingly evident and detrimental as we move deeper into 2024. The WMO and UN Secretary-General underscore the necessity for immediate global action to mitigate emissions and adapt to the changing climate. With a concerted effort from all nations, the trajectory of climate-related disasters may yet be altered, prompting the needed transition to renewable energy sources and sustainable practices.
Original Source: wmo.int
