The WMO’s latest report reveals shocking climate change data: 2024 is the hottest year on record, with unprecedented trends in ocean heat and CO2 levels. Political responses vary, with some leaders questioning the urgency of climate action while nations like China push for renewable energy. Extreme weather events due to climate change are causing significant health and economic impacts worldwide.
Recent findings have highlighted the alarming pace of climate change, surprising scientists with their urgency. The report, released by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), indicates that 2024 is the hottest year on record dating back 175 years, with each of the last ten years ranking among the top warmest, an unprecedented trend. “That has never happened before, going back to 1850,” stated Prof Chris Hewitt, WMO’s climate services director.
The WMO report also revealed that heat levels persisted into the final months of 2024 despite the declining effects of El Niño. Dr John Kennedy noted that the prolonged warmth during a transition to more neutral conditions was “really quite extraordinary.” The report outlines key findings: carbon dioxide concentrations are at their highest in 800,000 years; the last eight years have recorded unprecedented ocean heat levels; the Arctic has experienced the 18 lowest sea ice levels in the past 18 years; glaciers have lost the most ice in a three-year span on record; and the sea level rise rate has doubled since satellite measurements began.
Prof Stephen Belcher from the UK Met Office emphasized the state of the planet, saying it is “profoundly ill” with numerous alarming vital signs. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed these sentiments, stating the planet is “issuing more distress signals” and calling on leaders to enhance climate action plans. Yet, some political leaders, like President Trump, oppose climate initiatives, withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, while Argentina has also exited global discussions.
Conversely, the UK’s climate envoy expressed a more positive outlook, indicating that nations continue to discuss environmental transitions. China has increased its installation of wind and solar power significantly in recent times, producing more solar power than the rest of the world combined in 2023. Nevertheless, last year’s heat catalyzed extreme weather, displacing millions and resulting in vast infrastructure damages. In the US, Hurricanes Helene and Milton inflicted billions in damages and caused numerous fatalities. Tropical Cyclone Chido also devastated regions in Africa, displacing thousands of individuals. Bob Ward from the London School of Economics highlighted that even the wealthiest nations cannot evade climate impacts, contributing to increasing hardship for many.
The newly released WMO report underscores the urgent and unprecedented nature of climate change, with record temperatures and alarming trends in CO2 levels, glacial ice loss, and rising sea levels. As political consensus begins to wane on climate action, some leaders question the necessary urgency. Nonetheless, significant efforts toward renewable energy continue in various nations, including China. Extreme weather events driven by climate change are causing widespread damage and displacement, emphasizing the critical need for comprehensive and immediate climate action.
Original Source: www.gaydio.co.uk
