2024 Expected to be Hottest Year on Record According to EU Scientists
2024 is projected to be the hottest year on record, with average global temperatures exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius, according to EU scientists. Extreme weather events, including droughts, floods, and heatwaves linked to climate change, have intensified worldwide. Despite pledges to reduce emissions, CO2 levels are expected to reach record highs, highlighting the need for urgent climate action.
According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) of the European Union, 2024 is poised to be the hottest year on record, with average global temperatures expected to remain significantly elevated into at least early 2025. This announcement comes shortly after the conclusion of international climate talks, where a $300 billion commitment to combat climate change was deemed insufficient by many developing nations. The C3S data indicates that current temperatures will exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time.
Extreme climatic events are prevalent worldwide, including severe droughts in Italy and South America, devastating floods in Nepal, Sudan, and Europe, as well as lethal heatwaves in regions such as Mexico and Saudi Arabia. The scientific consensus attributes these disasters to human-induced climate change. Notably, last month marked the second warmest November on record, following a similarly anomalous November in the previous year.
Despite pledges from governments to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion are anticipated to reach unprecedented levels this year. Meanwhile, experts are observing the potential onset of a La Nina weather pattern in 2025, which may temporarily cool global temperatures; however, it does not signify a reversal of the overarching trend of increasing temperatures induced by greenhouse gas emissions. “While 2025 might be slightly cooler than 2024, if a La Nina event develops, this does not mean temperatures will be ‘safe’ or ‘normal'” – Friederike Otto, Imperial College London.
C3S data, dating back to 1940 and validated against global records since 1850, reflects a pressing climate emergency.
There remains an urgent need for enhanced commitment and actions to mitigate climate change effects, as the current trajectory indicates continued warming and extreme weather events. The scientific evidence strongly emphasizes that without significant reductions in emissions, the frequency and intensity of such climatic phenomenon will likely worsen. The implications of these findings underline the importance of reevaluating climate strategies and advancing global cooperation toward sustainable solutions.
The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) is tasked with providing authoritative climate data, monitoring atmospheric conditions, and assessing climate change impacts. As global temperatures rise due to human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, significant shifts in weather patterns have been observed. Previous records of temperature and climate are essential for understanding current trends and making informed predictions about future climate scenarios. The scientific community is increasingly focused on correlating extreme weather events with climate change, seeking to understand human contributions and establish expert recommendations for mitigating these effects.
In conclusion, the assertion that 2024 will be the hottest year on record highlights the urgency of addressing climate change through immediate and substantial actions. The alarming increase in global temperatures and the frequency of extreme weather patterns underscore the need for global collaboration and effective strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is paramount that governments and organizations prioritize sustainable practices, as the long-term impacts of climate change will affect all regions across the globe.
Original Source: www.bangkokpost.com
