2024 Declared Hottest Year on Record: Urgent Climate Action Needed
The WMO and Copernicus Earth Observation Program declare 2024 as the hottest year on record, surpassing the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold. This alarming increase in global temperatures in recent years demonstrates the urgent need for immediate climate action, as emphasized by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Continuous greenhouse gas emissions are exacerbating climate change effects, demanding a unified commitment to international agreements.
Climate change observers from the European Union’s Copernicus Earth Observation Program and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have confirmed that 2024 was the hottest year on record, with average global temperatures surpassing the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold established by international agreements. This alarming trend indicates that both 2023 and 2024 have witnessed unprecedented warming, primarily driven by significant greenhouse gas emissions from human activities. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the need for urgent climate action, stating that now is the time for leaders to address this reality to mitigate potential catastrophic outcomes.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo stated that the climate crisis is increasingly visible, noting the occurrence of a decade-long series of record temperatures, which have resulted in extreme weather events, melting ice, and rising sea levels. However, she clarified that one year exceeding the 1.5 °C benchmark does not imply failure to meet the long-term goals of the Paris Agreement, which emphasizes the importance of evaluations over extended periods. Samantha Burgess from Copernicus reiterated that the heightened temperatures are attributable to the excess of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, further aggravating climate change effects.
The WMO and Copernicus reported that the average global temperature in 2024 was 1.6 degrees Celsius higher than during the pre-industrial period (1850-1900) and slightly exceeded the previous year’s record, highlighting the urgent need for commitment to international climate agreements to prevent more severe environmental disasters.
The topic of climate change, particularly its impact evidenced by rising global temperatures, has garnered significant attention worldwide. Scientific consensus underscores that human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, have contributed to increased greenhouse gas emissions, leading to unprecedented warming levels. Global leaders acknowledged the seriousness of this issue in the Paris Agreement, wherein they committed to limiting the rise in average temperatures to below 1.5 °C to avert catastrophic climate consequences. Regular assessments by organizations like the WMO and Copernicus provide critical data that inform policy decisions and climate action strategies.
In summary, the findings from the WMO and the Copernicus Earth Observation Program regarding 2024 being the hottest year underline the pressing need for immediate and decisive climate action. As average temperatures continue to rise, it is imperative for leaders worldwide to commit to the goals set forth in the Paris Agreement to prevent further deterioration of environmental conditions. The ongoing patterns of extreme weather and global warming highlight the urgency of collective action in addressing climate change effectively.
Original Source: en.mercopress.com
