UN Warns of Record Heat and Extreme Weather in 2024
The United Nations reported that 2024 is likely the warmest year on record, with alarming levels of extreme weather and greenhouse gas emissions. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo noted the significant impacts of climate change globally, including catastrophic flooding and intense heat. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged for immediate action to drastically reduce emissions by 2025 and shift towards renewable energy sources.
According to the United Nations, 2024 has witnessed unprecedented extreme weather phenomena and record-breaking temperatures, marking it as potentially the warmest year ever documented. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported soaring greenhouse gas emissions, raising serious concerns about the impending climate crisis. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo highlighted the dramatic increase in extreme weather incidents globally, including severe flooding and tropical cyclones that have devastated communities. In light of these persistent climate challenges, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need for transformative action to transition to renewable energy and significantly cut emissions by 2025.
The WMO’s reports indicate that the average temperature from January to September in 2024 surpassed pre-industrial levels by 1.54 degrees Celsius, reinforcing the trajectory of rising global temperatures. As nations prepare for a critical moment in climate policy, the urgency to avert further damage has never been more pronounced—underscoring the dire need for comprehensive climate strategies.
The topic centers around the increasing urgency of addressing climate change and its tangible impacts observable in recent years. As global temperatures soar due to human activities, particularly fossil fuel emissions, calls for immediate action to mitigate these effects are becoming more pronounced. The reports from the WMO and UN serve to emphasize the urgency of meeting climate goals set forth in the 2015 Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global warming and reduce reliance on fossil fuels in favor of renewable energy options.
In conclusion, the alarming statistics regarding temperature increases and extreme weather events underscore the seriousness of the climate crisis that society faces. The UN’s calls for immediate and substantial emissions reductions are vital to steering the planet away from further environmental degradation and towards a more sustainable future. The collective effort of nations in 2025 will be crucial in changing the current trajectory of climate change and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
