The UN’s WMO report reveals 2024 as the hottest year on record, with over 150 unprecedented climate disasters causing significant global damage and displacing over 800,000 individuals. As climate change intensifies, experts stress the need for immediate action through renewable energy initiatives and enhanced resilience strategies.
The year 2024 witnessed a record-breaking number of climate-related disasters, as highlighted by a report from the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This year was marked as the hottest recorded, with unprecedented heatwaves, floods, and storms causing extensive damage globally. Over 800,000 individuals were displaced, establishing a new record since 2008.
The WMO identified 151 extreme weather events in 2024, surpassing any previous records in their respective regions. Noteworthy incidents included severe heatwaves in Japan, with temperatures soaring to 49.9°C in Western Australia and 49.7°C in Iran. Additionally, record rainfall led to devastating floods in Italy, Senegal, Pakistan, and Brazil.
The impact of storms also intensified, as six typhoons struck the Philippines within a month, and Hurricane Helene became the strongest ever to hit Florida’s Big Bend region. Furthermore, Vietnam faced the challenges of Super Typhoon Yagi, affecting millions. The continuous rise in global carbon emissions suggests that without immediate action, future impacts may be even more severe.
António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, urged global leaders to capitalize on renewable energy opportunities and develop new climate initiatives to address these crises. Dr. Luke Parsons of the Nature Conservancy noted that 2024 represented a pivotal moment in climate history, predicting even hotter years ahead, which could escalate the impact of climate change.
Research indicates that at least 550 climate-induced disasters have become more frequent due to global warming. Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel criticized the Trump administration’s dismissal of climate science, emphasizing the urgent need for leaders to acknowledge and address climate issues without hindering scientific efforts.
Professor Stefan Rahmstorf from the Potsdam Institute stressed the necessity of abandoning fossil fuels to halt global warming, while also highlighting that misinformation and lobbying from fossil fuel industries are major obstacles. Dr. Davide Faranda from ClimaMeter underlined that immediate choices will heavily influence future climate outcomes.
WMO Secretary-General, Professor Celeste Saulo, described the report as a crucial reminder of the escalating threats to communities. She emphasized the importance of enhancing early warning systems and investing in climate services to improve societal resilience. Furthermore, the report points out the impact of workforce reductions at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration under the Trump administration, which has serious implications for climate monitoring and resilience efforts.
Experts note that investing in climate resilience can yield substantial savings in damage costs, reinforcing the need for comprehensive climate planning and action.
In summary, the WMO’s report on 2024 highlights the alarming rise in extreme weather events linked to climate change, resulting in record levels of displacement and destruction. The urgent call for global leaders to embrace renewable solutions and enhance climate resilience is paramount. Moreover, the scrutiny of past governmental actions and their implications on scientific integrity emphasizes the necessity for transparency and commitment in combating climate challenges now and in the future.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
