UN Reports Climate Change Resulted in Extreme Weather and Heat in 2024
The United Nations has reported that climate change has caused record heat and extreme weather in 2024, marking it as potentially the warmest year recorded. Greenhouse gas emissions have also reached new heights, worsening future warming. Urgent action to reduce emissions and shift to renewable energy is essential to avoid further climate crisis.
According to a report by the United Nations, climate change has led to unprecedented extreme weather patterns and record heat in 2024. The global climate agency highlighted that this year is on track to become the warmest on record, following a decade marked by astonishing temperature increases. Despite these alarming conditions, greenhouse gas emissions have reached new record highs, further exacerbating the warming trajectory.
The secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization, Celeste Saulo, emphasized the profound effects of climate change, noting that extreme weather events are occurring increasingly often and with greater intensity. This year, many nations experienced catastrophic floods and tropical cyclones, especially affecting places like Mayotte in the Indian Ocean. Additionally, temperatures soared above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) in multiple countries, leading to devastating wildfires and significant loss of life.
The 2015 Paris climate accords aim to limit global warming to below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational goal of 1.5 degrees. However, the World Meteorological Organization reported that the average surface air temperature from January to September 2024 exceeded pre-industrial levels by 1.54 degrees Celsius, suggesting a likely surpassing of last year’s record temperatures.
During his New Year address, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres reflected on the concerning trends, declaring the past decade as one dominated by extreme heat. He called for immediate action to curb emissions drastically and transition towards renewable energy sources, emphasizing that it is both essential and achievable to shift away from this damaging trajectory.
The topic of climate change has gained significant attention over the past few decades as scientific evidence mounts regarding its impacts on global weather patterns and temperatures. The United Nations plays a pivotal role in addressing these issues, largely through climate accords like the Paris Agreement. As the consequences of climate change become increasingly severe, the urgency for nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt sustainable practices has intensified, highlighting the pressing need for global cooperation in combating climate-related challenges.
In conclusion, the year 2024 stands as a stark reminder of the escalating impacts of climate change, featuring extreme weather events and record-high temperatures. The warnings from the United Nations and its affiliated agencies serve as a clarion call for immediate action to mitigate worsening conditions. By adhering to international climate agreements and committing to significant reductions in emissions, the global community can strive towards a more sustainable future.
Original Source: www.france24.com
