In 2024, the WMO reported over 150 unprecedented climate disasters globally, marking the year’s record temperatures and widespread impacts including displacement and fatalities. Key issues highlighted include the exacerbation of extreme weather events and the political challenges in addressing climate change. Urgent action and investment in renewable energy and climate resilience are necessary to mitigate future impacts.
According to the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the year 2024 witnessed over 150 unprecedented climate disasters globally, marking a significant escalation in the impacts of climate change. As the hottest year recorded, it resulted in extreme weather events, resulting in loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and displacement of individuals, with over 800,000 people displaced – the highest since 2008.
The WMO report lists 151 extreme weather events that were unprecedented for their regions. Japan experienced debilitating heatwaves affecting hundreds of thousands, with scorching temperatures reaching 49.9°C in Carnarvon, Western Australia. Italy faced record rainfall, leading to devastating floods and landslides; and flash floods struck areas in Pakistan and Brazil, severely impacting agriculture.
Additionally, 2024 saw a surge in storms fueled by global warming, exemplified by six typhoons striking the Philippines in a month. Hurricane Helene made history as the strongest storm to strike Florida’s Big Bend, while Super Typhoon Yagi affected millions in Vietnam. The report emphasizes that many extreme climate events may not have been adequately documented.
The WMO’s findings highlight an ongoing climate crisis, as this last decade produced the ten hottest years on record. Despite awareness of these issues, global carbon emissions continue to rise, leading experts to express concern, particularly regarding the impact of political actions, such as the previous U.S. administration’s dismissal of climate science.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged leaders to adopt renewable energy strategies and create robust climate action plans, stating that urgent action is necessary. Dr. Luke Parsons from the Nature Conservancy noted that the trajectory of rising temperatures reflects an alarming reality, with predictions of even hotter years ahead.
Research has shown that global warming has exacerbated the severity and frequency of at least 550 extreme weather events. Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel from the Union of Concerned Scientists criticized governmental efforts to suppress climate information, arguing that such actions will not alleviate the impacts of climate change but rather exacerbate public health issues.
Prof. Stefan Rahmstorf of the Potsdam Institute for Climate warned that the continuation of global warming is a reality that must be addressed, asserting that rapid transitions away from fossil fuels are essential to halt the trend. He further emphasized the detrimental impact of misinformation campaigns by the fossil fuel lobby on climate action.
Dr. Davide Faranda from ClimaMeter underscored the importance of each fraction of a degree in temperature and highlighted the long-term significance of choices made now. WMO Secretary-General Prof. Celeste Saulo described the report as a crucial wake-up call, advocating for improved early warning systems and climate resilience measures, noting that investment in these areas is critical to safeguard lives and livelihoods.
The WMO report illustrates the alarming escalation of climate disasters in 2024, with significant consequences for populations worldwide. The findings emphasize the urgent need for global leaders to take decisive action against climate change, particularly through the adoption of renewable energy solutions and improved resilience strategies. Continued reliance on fossil fuels and the suppression of climate science will only exacerbate this crisis, leading to grave repercussions for future generations.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
