2024 Predicted to be Hottest Year on Record: Urgency for Climate Action
The Copernicus Climate Change Service predicts 2024 will be the hottest year recorded, with temperatures projected to exceed 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. This forecast comes as nations prepare for crucial UN climate negotiations in Azerbaijan. Recent severe weather events highlight the urgency for increased global action to combat climate change and restrict temperature rise to below 1.5°C.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service has announced that 2024 is “virtually certain” to become the hottest year on record, with temperatures projected to exceed 1.55 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial averages. This alarming projection arises amidst a backdrop of unprecedented weather events, including extreme flooding and hurricanes, which exemplify the escalating impacts of climate change. The forthcoming UN climate negotiations in Azerbaijan are critical for establishing stronger carbon reduction commitments among nations. The announcement from Copernicus arrives just days before significant climate discussions aimed at addressing global warming. The agency noted that recent weather patterns have included severe flooding in Spain and Hurricane Milton in the United States. Furthermore, October was recorded as the second hottest October on file, reinforcing the urgency of climate action as global temperatures continue on this concerning trajectory. Scientific consensus indicates that the planet is experiencing its warmest period in approximately 100,000 years, with rising temperatures contributing to more extreme weather phenomena. In specific reference to the potential dangers of passing the 1.5°C threshold, Copernicus highlighted that every fraction of a degree in temperature increase correlates with compounded negative effects on the environment and human activity. In preparation for COP29, the UN aims to elevate commitments to mitigating climate change. This gathering follows significant political shifts in the United States regarding climate policy, notably after the election of Donald Trump, who previously reneged on commitments established under the Paris Agreement. As the world confronts these climatic challenges, the call for enhanced ambition from world leaders becomes increasingly urgent.
The urgency of addressing climate change has heightened with recent reports indicating record-high temperatures globally. The Copernicus Climate Change Service, a European agency, plays a crucial role in monitoring climate data and provides vital information for policymakers. The impending UN climate negotiations in Azerbaijan are expected to set new targets for carbon emissions, amidst fears that failing to act may result in devastating global temperature increases. Scientists warn that the ongoing rise in average temperatures could lead to irreversible impacts, necessitating immediate and significant action from the international community.
In conclusion, the projections indicating that 2024 will be the hottest year on record underscore the critical need for global action against climate change. As nations prepare for vital discussions at COP29, it is imperative that leaders recognize the severe implications of exceeding temperature thresholds, which could lead to catastrophic environmental and societal consequences. The current trajectory of climate impacts serves as a stark reminder that effective and immediate measures are essential to mitigate the risks posed by rising global temperatures.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
