UN Reports Extreme Weather and Record Heat in 2024 Due to Climate Change
In 2024, the United Nations reported unprecedented heat and extreme weather due to climate change, confirming this year as potentially the warmest on record. Greenhouse gas emissions have reached new highs, exacerbating future warming. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and WMO officials call for urgent global action to reduce emissions and combat climate impacts, culminating in ongoing discussions on climate strategies among international experts.
According to the United Nations, climate change has led to unprecedented extreme weather and record-high temperatures in 2024. This year is on track to be the warmest on record, culminating a decade marked by exceptional heat. Greenhouse gas emissions have reached new highs, securing further warming in the future. “Climate change plays out before our eyes on an almost daily basis in the form of increased occurrence and impact of extreme weather events,” stated WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. The year witnessed catastrophic rainfall leading to floods and significant loss of life worldwide, including severe tropical cyclones affecting the French territory of Mayotte. Rising temperatures have exceeded 50 degrees Celsius in numerous regions, contributing to devastating wildfires.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that the global mean surface air temperature for January to September 2024 was 1.54 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This positions 2024 to exceed the previous record of 1.45 degrees Celsius from 2023. Anticipation grows as the WMO will release the consolidated global temperature data in January 2025, followed by its detailed State of the Global Climate 2024 report in March.
In his New Year message, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized, “Today I can officially report that we have just endured a decade of deadly heat. The top 10 hottest years on record have happened in the last 10 years, including 2024.” He expressed urgency, urging countries to make significant emissions reductions by 2025 to transition to a renewable future. Saulo reiterated the need for immediate action, saying, “If we want a safer planet, we must act now.”
To combat the escalating threats posed by extreme heat, experts from various international organizations and academic institutions convened at the WMO’s headquarters in Geneva in December 2024. In 2025, the WMO will celebrate its 75th anniversary while focusing on the cryosphere, comprising the world’s frozen territories. The WMO is committed to enhancing climate services and implementing early warning systems to manage imminent climate challenges.
The issue of climate change has become increasingly pressing, with significant global temperature rises and extreme weather events reported over the past decade. The role of human activity, particularly fossil fuel consumption, has been identified as a critical driver of these changes. Organizations such as the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization monitor and report on these trends, advocating for international cooperation and immediate action to mitigate climate impacts and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In summary, 2024 stands to be a pivotal year in the assessment of climate change impacts, with record heat and extreme weather occurrences highlighting the urgency of environmental action. The United Nations and its affiliated organizations emphasize the necessity for significant emissions reductions and a transition towards renewable energy to avert further climate crises. Immediate and coordinated global action is essential to secure a sustainable future.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
