In 2024, global temperatures surpassed 1.5°C for the first time, marking it the hottest year on record. Significant climate events, including deadly floods and severe droughts, punctuated the year, highlighting the catastrophic effects of climate change. The report from the Copernicus Climate Change Service emphasizes the need for urgent action to reduce emissions and adapt infrastructure to cope with extreme weather.
In 2024, the earth experienced unprecedented warming, marking it as the hottest year on record, with global average temperatures surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time. This milestone was confirmed in a report by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. Significant climate-related events ensued, including devastating floods in Pakistan and Afghanistan, severe drought affecting the Amazon River, and temporary closures of the Acropolis in Greece due to excessive heat.
Across the globe, all continents except Australasia and Antarctica recorded their hottest years, with 11 months of 2024 exceeding the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius mark. While a single year exceeding this average does not breach the Paris Agreement’s long-term goal, it raises concerns about ongoing climate change trends. Natural climate phenomena, such as a strong El Niño, exacerbated the phenomenon in 2024, illustrating the unpredictable interplay between natural variability and human-induced climate change.
The Copernicus scientists utilized reanalysis, combining various observational data with advanced forecasting models to construct a comprehensive climate picture. This methodology is essential in understanding and predicting climate patterns. The report emphasizes the importance of not focusing solely on arbitrary temperature targets, as even slight increases in warming could lead to severe outcomes, such as the accelerated melting of polar ice.
Moreover, the year was characterized by extreme weather events with Europe suffering from severe heatwaves and destructive wildfires. About 44 percent of the globe reported heightened heat stress in July 2024, which could exacerbate health issues, particularly in low-income regions. Additionally, atmospheric moisture levels were reported to be 5 percent higher than the recent average, leading to increased intensity of rainfall events and subsequent flooding in various regions.
To mitigate further climate implications and avoid surpassing the crucial 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is imperative. Adaptation of infrastructure to withstand unprecedented weather extremes is equally vital. While the potential for cooler conditions in 2025 may offer some respite, the record-setting temperatures of 2024 serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to address climate change.
The 2024 climate report from the Copernicus Climate Change Service highlights a significant shift in the Earth’s climatic conditions. The reported rise in average temperatures above 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels signifies a critical juncture in global warming, a condition that has been a focus of international climate agreements like the Paris Agreement. The report notes that while year-to-year temperature fluctuations do not necessarily indicate a permanent shift, they underscore the increasing frequency and severity of climate-related events driven by human activities and natural phenomena alike.
The record global temperatures in 2024 reflect an urgent need for enhanced measures against climate change. With natural climate patterns, such as El Niño, influencing weather extremes, it is crucial that nations collaborate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the changing climate. The alarming data signifies that each fraction of a degree of warming bears significant risk for ecosystems and human health. As the world confronts these challenges, immediate action is essential to safeguard the future against the devastating impacts of climate change.
Original Source: theprint.in
