UN Warns of Decade Marked by Extreme Heat as 2024 Sets Record Temperatures
The United Nations warns that 2024 concludes a decade of extreme heat, with record temperatures resulting from human activity. Key officials emphasize urgent action to cut emissions to combat climate change. The World Meteorological Organization highlights significant recent climate extremes and calls for global collaboration to tackle future risks.
The United Nations has reported that 2024 marks the culmination of a decade characterized by unprecedented heat, emphasizing the urgency of the climate crisis. In a new year message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored that the ten hottest years on record have occurred within the last decade, with 2024 being particularly notable. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is set to release official temperature data for 2024 in January, projecting it to be the warmest year recorded, significantly influenced by human activities that have exacerbated weather extremes.
The WMO cautioned that greenhouse gas concentrations have reached alarming levels, perpetuating a warming trend. Mr. Guterres remarked, “I can officially report that we have just endured a decade of deadly heat,” indicating that immediate action is imperative to redirect the world towards sustainability.
Additionally, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo pointed out that even slight increases in temperature contribute to severe climate extremes, stating, “Every degree of warming matters.” This past year has been marked by record-setting rainfall, devastating floods, and catastrophic tropical cyclones, notably impacting regions like Mayotte in the Indian Ocean. In 2024, extreme heat led to disruptive conditions, with temperatures exceeding 50°C in several instances, compounding the emergency.
Furthermore, a recent study from World Weather Attribution highlighted that climate change has intensified 26 out of 29 extreme weather events analyzed for 2024, resulting in significant fatalities and displacement. The WMO appeals for collective action from governments and international bodies to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat as global temperatures continue to rise.
The alarming report from the United Nations highlights a significant trend in global temperatures and weather events over the past decade. Human activities are primarily responsible for the increase in greenhouse gas emissions, which have led to extreme weather phenomena. The predictions based on past observations emphasize the need for immediate global efforts to combat climate change. Major organizations like the WMO are vital in providing accurate data and forecasts, which guide international policy-making and emergency responses.
In summary, the United Nations has identified 2024 as the conclusive year of a decade marked by extreme heat, necessitating urgent action to combat climate change. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasizes the critical need for countries to commit to reducing emissions in the coming years. The WMO reports reveal the dire context of weather extremes fueled by rising temperatures, underscoring the necessity for collaborative international strategies to address these ecological challenges.
Original Source: nation.cymru
