In 2024, climate change effects intensified globally, marking it as the warmest year recorded. UN leaders emphasize urgent action to reduce emissions and focus on renewable energy to counter the crisis. WMO reports catastrophic weather events, stressing the increasing danger and the need for immediate adaptation strategies. The International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation in 2025 aims to highlight the significance of frozen ecosystems.
Climate change repercussions became more apparent in 2024, affecting environments and communities worldwide from elevated mountain tops to the ocean depths. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicates that 2024 is on track to record as the warmest year ever, following an unprecedented decade of heat attributed to human actions. Continuous increases in greenhouse gas emissions are compounding the urgency of the situation, effectively guaranteeing further warming in the years to come.
In a New Year’s address, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the alarming trend, stating, “Today I can officially report that we have just endured a decade of deadly heat. The top ten hottest years on record have happened in the last ten years, including 2024.” He characterized the current climate conditions as a severe crisis that necessitates immediate action, urging countries to significantly reduce emissions and transition toward renewable energy sources in 2025.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo has repeatedly issued warnings concerning the climate’s deterioration over the past year, marking her first year in office amid challenges posed by climate extremes. As WMO commemorates its 75th anniversary in 2025, Saulo insists on proactive measures, saying, “If we want a safer planet, we must act now. It’s our responsibility. It’s a common responsibility, a global responsibility.”
The dire consequences of climate change were evident throughout 2024 with unprecedented weather patterns, including record rainfall and devastating flooding, leading to tragic losses globally. Tropical cyclones inflicted economic and human suffering, particularly noted in Mayotte, while intense heat waves saw temperatures exceeding 50 °C in numerous regions.
The WMO recognizes the increasing severity of extreme weather events and emphasizes the need for initiatives like Early Warnings for All, which aims to enhance climate adaptation strategies. In parallel, the organization is launching the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch initiative and reiterating its support for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Looking ahead, 2025 will focus on preserving the cryosphere, marking the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, coordinated by UNESCO and WMO, to underscore the significance of frozen ecosystems in combating climate change.
In recent years, climate change has become an increasingly pressing global issue, with its effects felt across various domains, including the economy, public health, and environmental stability. Data from organizations such as the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) provides critical insights into the trends associated with rising global temperatures and extreme weather events. The alarming rise in greenhouse gas emissions and recent record-breaking temperatures call for immediate international cooperation and proactive strategies to mitigate the adverse impacts of climate change.
The events of 2024 have starkly illustrated the urgent need for global action on climate change. With significant warnings from leaders such as António Guterres and Celeste Saulo, it is clear that without swift and decisive measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience, the world may face increasingly severe consequences. The upcoming International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation in 2025 presents an opportunity for renewed commitment to safeguarding our environment for future generations.
Original Source: www.wam.ae
