2024 is projected to be the hottest year on record, with temperatures likely surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial averages, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Recent extreme weather events highlight an urgent need for intensified climate action at the upcoming UN climate conference in Azerbaijan, particularly in light of insufficient current commitments to mitigate climate change.
According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), 2024 is expected to become the hottest year on record, likely exceeding an increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This alarming trend coincides with recent catastrophic weather events, including severe flooding in Spain and Hurricane Milton in the United States, marking October as the second hottest on record. The Copernicus analysis indicates that average global temperatures for this year would be around 1.55 degrees Celsius higher than the historical average from 1850 to 1900.
The urgency of addressing climate change is paramount as global temperatures continue to rise, primarily due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels. The Copernicus Climate Change Service, a European agency, monitors these temperature changes and related climate phenomena. With the upcoming UN climate negotiations scheduled in Azerbaijan, the focus will be on creating innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as current efforts fall short of meeting the Paris Agreement targets. The persistent rise in temperatures and extreme weather patterns underscores the need for decisive action.
The prospect of 2024 being the hottest year on record signifies a critical juncture in climate change action. As scientific predictions indicate that the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold is rapidly approaching, the upcoming climate conference will be crucial for establishing new carbon reduction targets. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events serves as a stark reminder of the pressing need for immediate and effective climate policies.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
