In 2024, global temperatures are projected to reach record highs, marking a decade of unprecedented heat attributed to human activity. The WMO highlights the urgent need for countries to cut emissions and transition to renewable energy. UN Secretary-General António Guterres and WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo stress the critical situation driven by extreme weather events and call for immediate global action to address climate vulnerabilities.
The year 2024 is predicted to become the hottest recorded year, marking the culmination of a decade characterized by extraordinary heat driven by human activities, as reported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The continuous rise in greenhouse gas concentrations has led to unprecedented temperature increases, solidifying the reality of climate breakdown. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized this crucial moment in his New Year address, urging nations to urgently reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy sources by 2025.
The WMO is expected to release global temperature data for 2024 in January, with a comprehensive report on the State of the Global Climate due in March 2025. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo declared that this alarming situation warrants immediate action, highlighting that every increment of temperature rise exacerbates the frequency and severity of climate-related disasters. 2024 has already witnessed severe flooding, heatwaves exceeding 50°C, and devastating wildfires that have inflicted significant humanitarian and economic tolls globally.
These alarming trends underscore the necessity of initiatives such as Early Warnings for All, which aims to enhance climate services and adaptations to combat the escalating climate crisis. Concurrently, the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch initiative is being launched to track and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions globally. As we approach the International Year of Glacier Preservation in 2025, the WMO is poised to focus on the fragile cryosphere, confronting the profound challenges posed by climate change to all aspects of sustainable development.
A recent report by World Weather Attribution revealed that climate change intensified 26 out of 29 deadly weather events in 2024, resulting in a significant loss of life and displacement. Moreover, the report indicated that dangerous heat days have increased by 41, posing dire risks to human health and ecosystems. Recognizing the growing threat of extreme heat, a consortium of experts has convened to formulate a coordinated strategy for addressing this critical issue, reflecting the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on extreme heat.
The article discusses the ongoing impacts of climate change as projected for the year 2024, noting its emergence as potentially the warmest year on record. With greenhouse gas levels reaching unprecedented heights, the narrative emphasizes the need for immediate action from global leaders to mitigate ongoing climate crises. The data referenced highlights the effects of climate change on extreme weather events and the urgency of international collaboration in tackling these challenges.
The alarming predictions for 2024 indicate that urgent action is necessary to address climate change and its far-reaching impacts. With greenhouse gas emissions at record levels and extreme weather events escalating, the WMO emphasizes a collective responsibility among nations to initiate major reductions in emissions and transition towards sustainable energy solutions. The ongoing efforts by the WMO and other organizations illustrate a commitment to safeguarding public health and the environment as they approach a pivotal moment in climate action.
Original Source: wmo.int
