The World Meteorological Organization’s report for 2024 reveals alarming climate change impacts, marking it as one of the warmest years on record. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are prompting urgent calls for countries to enhance preparedness, shift to renewable energy, and mitigate climate risks, particularly as glaciers retreat rapidly and the Arctic experiences significant changes.
In a compelling report released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), it has been revealed that climate change is projected to have substantial cascading effects in 2024, impacting ecosystems, economies, and communities globally. This year is anticipated to break previous temperature records, culminating a decade marked by extreme heat largely driven by human activities. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the dire implications of every fractional increase in temperature, which exacerbates climate extremes and heightens risks associated with severe weather events.
The year has already witnessed unprecedented rainfall and flooding, resulting in significant loss of life across various regions. Tropical cyclones have inflicted devastating human and economic damage, particularly noted in Mayotte, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean. Other parts of the world, including many arid regions, faced extreme heat, with temperatures soaring beyond 50°C. Additionally, rampant wildfires have decimated large areas, further highlighting the climate crisis’s urgency.
A recent study from the scientific collaboration between World Weather Attribution and Climate Central identified that climate change has intensified nearly all extreme weather events examined in 2024. According to the report titled “When Risks Become Reality: Extreme Weather in 2024,” climate change has contributed to an additional 41 days of extreme heat, adversely affecting both human health and ecological systems.
Dr. Friederike Otto, a prominent climate scientist, noted, “We do have the knowledge and technology to move away from fossil fuels, towards renewable energies, lower demand and halt deforestation.” She emphasized the necessity for immediate action, urging nations to replace fossil fuels and prepare for forthcoming extreme weather conditions. As stated by Ms. Julie Arrighi, Director of Programmes at the Climate Centre, “Another devastating year of extreme weather has shown that we are not well prepared for life at 1.5°C of warming.”
The WMO is collaborating with UNESCO to spearhead the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation in 2025. This initiative aims to highlight the significant role glaciers play within the climate system and to address the pressing impacts of rapid glacial retreat. The recent Arctic Report Card published by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has documented alarming changes in the region, such as increased wildfires and altered precipitation patterns, which further underscore the climate crisis.
With the urgency of adaptation and climate mitigation measures more significant than ever, 2025 stands as a pivotal year for global efforts to combat climate change and its associated risks.
The year 2024 is marked as a critical period in the ongoing climate crisis, with the World Meteorological Organization highlighting the profound effects of climate change experienced globally. The implications of rising temperatures and extreme weather events are increasingly visible, affecting various facets of life including health, economies, and the environment. This environment is compounded by the alarming retreat of glaciers, alterations in Arctic conditions, and the pressing need for countries worldwide to enhance their preparedness for extreme weather events as climate change continues to escalate.
In conclusion, the WMO’s recent report underscores the severe reality of climate change’s impact in 2024, calling for immediate action and adaptation strategies to mitigate the resulting risks. The insights provided by climate experts highlight the necessity for a global shift towards renewable energy and proactive measures to address the consequences of extreme weather. As we advance towards 2025, the urgency for collaboration and comprehensive climate action is greater than ever to safeguard our planet and its inhabitants against further deterioration.
Original Source: www.climatecentre.org
