The United Nations has declared 2024 as a year of extreme weather and unprecedented heat due to climate change. Record greenhouse gas emissions continue to lock in future warming, while countries face devastating impacts from floods, cyclones, and heatwaves. Urgent action is needed to transition to renewable energies and reduce emissions to tackle this escalating crisis.
In a profound warning issued on Monday, the United Nations highlighted that climate change has led to an exceptional series of extreme weather events and unprecedented heat levels in 2024. The United Nations’ weather and climate agency has noted that 2024 is poised to become the hottest year on record, marking the conclusion of a decade characterized by extreme temperatures. Furthermore, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that greenhouse gas emissions have reached new peaks, contributing to future warming.
Celeste Saulo, the WMO Secretary-General, remarked, “Climate change plays out before our eyes on an almost daily basis in the form of increased occurrence and impact of extreme weather events.” The year experienced catastrophic rainfall and flooding, resulting in significant loss of life across various nations, and the devastation of communities globally. Severe tropical cyclones inflicted substantial human and economic damage, with a recent example being the tragedy in the French overseas territory of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean.
The intensity of heat has also been alarming; numerous countries recorded temperatures soaring above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), leading to destructive wildfires across different regions. In light of these alarming developments, the 2015 Paris climate agreements aimed to keep global warming well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with aspirations to stay below 1.5 degrees Celsius.
According to the WMO, the average surface temperature for January to September 2024 was recorded at 1.54 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, indicating a trajectory towards surpassing the 2023 record high of 1.45 degrees Celsius. The consolidated global temperature data for 2024 is expected to be published by the WMO in January, followed by a comprehensive report in March.
In his New Year address, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the severity of the climate crisis, stating, “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 called for immediate action to reverse the current path, urging countries to significantly reduce emissions and transition towards renewable energy sources by 2025, asserting that such change is both essential and feasible.
The discussion of climate change and its implications has gained significant momentum over recent years, particularly as global temperatures continue to break records. This phenomenon not only impacts the environment but also poses grave threats to human health, agricultural systems, and economic stability worldwide. Organizations such as the United Nations and the World Meteorological Organization play a crucial role in monitoring climate variables and proposing frameworks for international cooperation aimed at mitigation. Understanding the scientific consensus on the linkage between greenhouse gas emissions and rising temperatures is imperative for informed policymaking and to foster public awareness and engagement.
The findings from the United Nations regarding the extreme weather patterns and record heat of 2024 serve as a dire reminder of the urgent need for global climate action. With consistently rising temperatures and unprecedented weather events, the call for drastic emissions reduction and transition to renewable energies has never been more critical. Leaders worldwide must heed these warnings and work collaboratively to reverse the trajectory toward climate disaster, ensuring a sustainable future for coming generations.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
