In 2024, global temperatures are set to be the highest on record, exceeding pre-industrial levels by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. Catastrophic weather events linked to human-caused climate change have occurred worldwide. While 2025 may see slight cooling due to La Nina, significant temperature rises will persist, posing ongoing threats to global climate stability.
The year 2024 is poised to become the hottest year on record, with excessive temperatures anticipated to extend into early 2025, as indicated by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) of the European Union. This assessment follows a recent United Nations climate agreement, where a $300 billion arrangement aimed at combating climate change was deemed inadequate by many vulnerable nations. From January to November, global temperature records confirm that 2024 is the first instance in which average temperatures have surpassed 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above the pre-industrial period of 1850-1900.
The extreme weather patterns witnessed globally in 2024 include severe droughts affecting Italy and South America, devastating floods in Nepal, Sudan, and Europe, and lethal heatwaves in Mexico, Mali, and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, disasters such as cyclones have struck the United States and the Philippines, with scientific studies attributing these events to human-induced climate change. The month of November 2024 has thus far been recognized as the second-warmest November in recorded history.
Julien Nicolas, a climate researcher with Copernicus, expressed, “We’re still in near-record-high territory for global temperatures, and that’s likely to stay at least for the next few months.” The primary factor contributing to climate change is the increase in carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion. While many governments have pledged to achieve net-zero emissions, global CO2 emissions are on track to reach an unprecedented high this year.
Scientists are meticulously observing the potential emergence of the La Nina weather pattern in 2025, which could lead to temporary cooling of global temperatures. However, this phenomenon would not alter the long-term trend of rising temperatures caused by emissions. Presently, the climate sits in neutral conditions following the conclusion of El Nino earlier this year.
Friederike Otto, a senior lecturer at Imperial College London, asserted, “While 2025 might be slightly cooler than 2024, if a La Nina event develops, this does not mean temperatures will be ‘safe’ or ‘normal.’ We will still experience high temperatures, resulting in dangerous heatwaves, droughts, wildfires and tropical cyclones.” C3S’s temperature records have been maintained since 1940, which are then cross-referenced with global records dating back to 1850.
The topic revolves around the observed global warming trends and extreme weather patterns attributed to climate change factors, particularly carbon emissions. The link between climate change and severe environmental events has become increasingly undeniable, warranting urgent attention from global leaders. Additionally, the Copernicus Climate Change Service, established by the European Union, plays a crucial role in monitoring and reporting climate data and trends.
In conclusion, the remarkable rise in global temperatures in 2024 signifies a critical juncture in the fight against climate change, which has reached alarming levels. While a minor cooling event may be observed in 2025 due to potential La Nina conditions, the overall trajectory of climate change and its associated consequences on global weather patterns remain urgent. The continuing rise in emissions underscores the need for substantial policy changes and commitments to reduce carbon footprints and tackle climate repercussions effectively.
Original Source: www.onmanorama.com
