In its latest report, the WMO declares that 2024 is the hottest recorded year, with temperatures 1.55 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This finding occurs amid severe wildfires in Los Angeles, exacerbated by climate change. The WMO emphasizes the need for urgent climate action from global leaders to address rising temperatures and associated consequences for ecosystems and communities worldwide.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has officially declared 2024 as the hottest year on record, with temperatures averaging 1.55 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This announcement coincides with devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, highlighting the severe consequences of climate change. The WMO’s spokesperson Clare Nullis indicated that unprecedented land and ocean temperatures have resulted in extreme weather globally, affecting many communities and lives. While four out of six international datasets show temperature increases over 1.5 degrees Celsius, two datasets report lower figures, raising concerns regarding the goals stipulated in the Paris Agreement.
The significance of maintaining temperature increases below 1.5 degrees Celsius stems from the Paris Agreement’s objectives, aimed at limiting global warming. The WMO acknowledges that although the accord is facing challenges, it remains crucial as historical trends over decades are considered, rather than focusing solely on single years. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the urgency of addressing climate change, noting that incremental increases in temperature compound the impact on humans and ecosystems.
The worsening wildfires in Los Angeles have prompted discussions on the role of climate change. The WMO attributes the intensity of these fires to prolonged periods of dry and warm weather enhanced by climate fluctuations, which have resulted in substantial vegetation growth. In light of these findings, UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged global leaders to formulate new climate action plans for the year. He asserted that exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius in individual years underscores the need for more robust climate initiatives moving forward.
The WMO also released findings about ocean warming, which it characterized as critical in understanding the recent temperature records. According to their study, the oceans reached unprecedented temperatures, with substantial heat trapped in the upper 2,000 meters. This phenomenon indicates that about 90 percent of excess heat from global warming is stored in oceans. Consequently, the WMO reported a significant rise in ocean temperatures from 2023 to 2024, equating to an immense amount of additional heat.
In summary, as 2024 is logged as the hottest year on record, urgent action against climate change becomes imperative. The WMO’s observations serve as a clarion call for governments worldwide to intensify their climate preservation efforts, ensuring that the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement remain achievable in the face of escalating temperatures and extreme weather events.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, responsible for monitoring and reporting on global climate and weather conditions. Regarding climate change, the WMO plays a pivotal role in analyzing and disseminating scientific data related to temperature changes and their impacts. The recent findings highlight the urgent need to address the increasingly severe effects of climate change evidenced by record temperatures, prolonged heat waves, wildfires, and ocean warming. The Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, established critical limits on global temperature increase, emphasizing the importance of concerted international efforts to combat climate threats. The continuous rise in temperature poses significant risks to ecosystems, human lives, and global economies.
The WMO’s confirmation of 2024 as the hottest year on record serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing climate crisis. With temperatures surpassing critical limits set by international agreements, the urgency for action cannot be overstated. While past data is concerning, it emphasizes the need for immediate and robust climate policies to prevent irreversible damage to our planet. As global leaders are called to strengthen their commitments, the collective effort remains vital to uphold environmental integrity and ensure a sustainable future.
Original Source: www.connectedtoindia.com
