The Copernicus Climate Change Service has urged governments globally to act urgently as 2024 is expected to be the hottest year on record. Samantha Burgess noted that it will be the first year exceeding 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. This warning serves as a critical motivator for enhanced commitments ahead of COP 29 in Baku. Furthermore, data indicates significant temperature rises and severe weather events linked to climate change.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service, part of the European Union, has issued a stark warning urging global governments to enhance their efforts to adhere to the climate targets set forth in the Paris Agreement, especially as 2024 is projected to become the warmest year on record. According to Samantha Burgess, deputy director of Copernicus, “After 10 months of 2024, it is now virtually certain that 2024 will be the warmest year on record and the first year of more than 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.” This alarming forecast signifies a pivotal moment in the history of climate change and serves as a crucial impetus to elevate commitments ahead of the upcoming COP 29 Climate Change Conference, scheduled for November 11-22 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Data from Copernicus indicates that in October alone, global temperatures soared to 1.65C above pre-industrial levels, contributing to an unprecedented climb in temperatures over the past year. UN scientists have long cautioned that exceeding the temperature thresholds of 1.5-2C would result in increasingly severe weather phenomena, including intensified heatwaves, droughts, and flooding. Recently, the Iberian Peninsula, northern Italy, Norway, and other regions experienced above-average precipitation, compounding these issues. Notably, Valencia, Spain, suffered severe flash flooding resulting in over 200 deaths due to heavy rains as October’s weather patterns unfolded.
The call to action by the Copernicus Climate Change Service emerges against a backdrop of alarming climate trends. The Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, faces challenges as temperatures continue to rise historically. As the global climate crisis intensifies, organizations and scientists advocate for urgent measures to combat the significant impacts of temperature increases on weather systems, human safety, and ecological stability. This context is underscored by the imminent COP 29, where leaders will have the opportunity to renew their commitments to climate action.
In summary, the Copernicus Climate Change Service’s warning highlights the urgent need for enhanced global climate action as 2024 is set to become the hottest year recorded. The escalated temperatures, particularly those exceeding the critical threshold of 1.5C, signal a clear call for increased ambition at COP 29. With severe weather events already manifesting their devastating effects, immediate and concerted efforts are imperative to mitigate further climate-related disasters and fulfill the Paris Agreement’s objectives.
Original Source: montelnews.com
