In 2024, global temperatures reached unprecedented levels, with the WMO confirming an increase of 1.55 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial marks. The organization linked this rise to extreme weather, exacerbated by climate change, as seen in the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles. The need for urgent climate action is emphasized by UN leaders to honor the commitments of the Paris Agreement.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has officially confirmed that 2024 marks the hottest year on record, with temperatures 1.55 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This alarming data coincides with devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, prompting significant global concern. WMO spokesperson Clare Nullis emphasized the severe impacts of rising temperatures on ecosystems and human lives, highlighting extraordinary weather patterns worldwide. While four out of six datasets indicated surpassing the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, two remained below this mark. The Paris Agreement’s goal to limit global warming is under threat, and WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo reiterated the importance of recognizing the significance of every fraction of a degree. The UN urges immediate action to mitigate climate impacts as Secretary-General António Guterres called for robust climate action plans from all nations. The WMO’s study also revealed that ocean temperatures have risen to unprecedented levels, worsening climate conditions and signifying the urgent need for comprehensive climate policy changes.
The alarming confirmation from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) regarding 2024 being the hottest year on record underscores the ongoing climate crisis. The WMO’s findings correlate with significant environmental events, such as wildfires in Los Angeles, which reflect the broader trend of extreme weather associated with climate change. The 1.5 degrees Celsius benchmark is critical, having been established in the 2015 Paris Agreement as a target to avert the worst effects of climate change. Experts warn that surpassing this temperature could lead to severe and irreversible consequences for the planet.
The confirmation that 2024 is the hottest year on record necessitates immediate action from global leaders to combat climate change effectively. The interlinked issues of rising temperatures, increased wildfires, and ocean warming highlight the urgency of adhering to international agreements like the Paris Accord. The WMO’s findings serve as a call to action for governments to redouble their efforts to mitigate climate impacts, recognizing that every fraction of a degree of warming intensifies the potential for destructive outcomes.
Original Source: www.connectedtoindia.com
