UN Warns of Record Heat and Extreme Weather Events in 2024
The United Nations has announced that climate change has led to extreme weather and record heat in 2024, which is anticipated to be the hottest year ever. The report highlights record greenhouse gas emissions and the increasing incidence of extreme weather events causing vast human and economic losses. Urgent action is needed to comply with the Paris climate accords to limit global warming and mitigate future disasters.
In a stark warning, the United Nations has reported that climate change has led to unprecedented extreme weather and record-breaking heat in 2024. The year is projected to be the hottest on record, concluding a decade defined by soaring temperatures. Concurrently, greenhouse gas emissions have reached new heights, contributing to ongoing climate crises. Celeste Saulo, the secretary general of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), emphasized the alarming frequency of extreme weather events globally, which resulted in significant loss of life and economic destruction across numerous nations.
The WMO noted alarming instances of extreme rainfall and flooding, along with the devastating impacts of tropical cyclones, especially highlighting the catastrophe in Mayotte, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean. Furthermore, searing heat waves afflicted many regions, with some countries recording temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), leading to widespread wildfires.
In alignment with the 2015 Paris climate accords, which aim to restrict global warming to below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the need for immediate action is more pressing than ever. The WMO revealed that the average temperature from January to September in 2024 has risen by 1.54 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels, indicating a trajectory for this year to surpass last year’s record.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres reflected on this concerning trend, stating that the last decade has been marked by lethal heat, with the ten hottest years ever recorded all occurring within this period, including 2024. He underscored the urgency of reversing this damaging trend, urging countries to adopt substantial emission reductions by 2025 and to advance towards renewable energy sources. \n”This is climate breakdown in real time. We must exit this road to ruin — and we have no time to lose,” he stated. His statement aimed to mobilize global commitment to mitigating climate change.
The WMO is expected to release its comprehensive annual report on global temperatures in January, with a detailed overview of the State of the Global Climate 2024 scheduled for March.
The context of this report highlights the long-term effects of climate change, showcasing how enhanced greenhouse gas emissions are causing significant disruptions to global weather patterns. The UN has consistently warned of the consequences of inaction, citing the urgency of adhering to international agreements like the Paris Climate Accords that pursue limiting global temperature increases. Climate scientists and organizations worldwide are currently observing and analyzing the trends relating to increased heat, extreme weather occurrences, and their impacts on ecosystems and human populations, which is vital for informing future policy decisions.
The findings presented by the United Nations reflect a critical moment in the ongoing battle against climate change. The record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather events serve as a clarion call for immediate action from nations worldwide. With greenhouse gas emissions at an all-time high, the responsibility lies with global leaders to fulfill commitments aimed at reducing emissions and transitioning towards sustainable energy solutions to avert further climate crises.
Original Source: www.france24.com
