The 2024 State of the Climate report reveals unprecedented global warming levels, with temperatures likely exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial averages and greenhouse gases reaching peak concentrations not seen in 800,000 years. Climate change is closely linked to a multitude of extreme weather events that devastated communities globally, heightening the urgent call for a rapid shift from fossil fuels to clean energy.
The 2024 State of the Climate report from the World Meteorological Organization reveals alarming trends in climate change, marking it as a critical issue humanity faces this century. It indicates 2024 was likely the first year with global temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, with greenhouse gas concentrations at their highest in 800,000 years. This year also saw significant climatic events exacerbated by rising temperatures and emissions.
Global average temperatures escalated further in 2024, becoming the warmest year on record since comprehensive data collection began 175 years ago. The planet experienced a temperature increase of approximately 1.55°C compared to the average between 1850 and 1900. Notably, the years 2023 and 2024 together showed a notable temperature spike of around 0.15°C over preceding record years, highlighting the urgency of climate action.
Factors contributing to the record warmth include the ongoing El Niño event, which raised ocean temperatures, decreased atmospheric pollution from shipping leading to reduced cloud cover, and increased solar activity. While researchers investigate these changes, the consensus remains that human-induced climate change is responsible for the extreme temperature rise observed in recent years.
In addition to temperature rise, carbon dioxide levels surged to 427 parts per million, alongside an accelerated sea level rise now approximately 11 centimeters above early 1990s levels. The Arctic and Antarctic experienced diminished sea ice, alongside rapid glacial melt and ocean acidification, indicating a worrying trend for Earth’s ecosystems.
Extreme weather events were rampant in 2024, causing widespread destruction across continents. Severe storms, droughts, and flooding afflicted diverse regions; Super Typhoon Yagi and Cyclone Chido led to significant casualties and displacements, particularly in Southeast Asia and Africa. Unprecedented drought conditions severely impacted agriculture in Southern Africa and South America, while record heat waves affected the Northern Hemisphere, resulting in numerous fatalities during events like the Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca.
The report offers a grim perspective on climate change, emphasizing the urgent need for a transition away from fossil fuels to prevent further environmental degradation. Despite decades of scientific research that established the link between greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, the slow response to mitigate these impacts is concerning. Each fraction of a degree of warming exacerbates existing issues, necessitating immediate and substantial climate action.
The 2024 climate report underscores a precarious trajectory in global temperatures, driven by human activities and linked to extreme weather events worldwide. Rising greenhouse gas levels, record temperatures, and alarming changes in weather patterns illustrate an urgent need for a decisive shift to sustainable energy practices. Without addressing fossil fuel reliance and striving for net-zero emissions, the already dire situation is set to worsen, threatening both humanity and the planet.
Original Source: eveningreport.nz
