WMO Warning: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported 2024 is on track to become the hottest year ever recorded, with temperatures hitting unprecedented levels.
COP29 Climate Report: Released at the COP29 UN Climate Change Conference, the “State of the Climate 2024” report underscores accelerating climate risks.
Highlights of the report:
Temperature Increase:
- January-September 2024 global mean surface temperature is 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels.
- This briefly surpasses the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement, a critical target in limiting climate impacts.
Main Drivers:
- An intense El Niño event alongside high greenhouse gas concentrations has fueled this temperature rise.
- Greenhouse gas levels are at record highs; in 2023, CO2 reached 420 ppm, marking a 51% increase from pre-industrial levels, persisting into 2024.
Impact of climate:
- Health and Inequality: Climate effects are worsening health, increasing inequalities, and hindering sustainable development.
- UN Secretary-General Statement: António Guterres highlighted climate change as a “catastrophe,” with impacts on peace and equity, stressing urgent action.
- Ocean Heat Content:
- Oceans absorbed over 90% of extra heat from global warming.
- Ocean heat hit a record high in 2023, with rising temperatures in 2024 affecting marine life and coastal communities.
- Sea-Level Rise:
- Sea levels continue to rise due to thermal expansion and glacier melt—rising at double the rate seen between 1993 and 2002.
- Though the rate slowed slightly in 2024, coastal areas remain vulnerable, highlighting a need for resilience-building.
- Glacier and Ice Loss:
- Record Glacier Loss: 2023 saw a loss of 1.2 meters water equivalent in glaciers.
- Polar Ice Decline: Antarctic sea ice reached the second-lowest extent recorded, with Arctic sea ice also near record lows.
- Extreme Weather Events:
- Deadly heatwaves, floods, tropical cyclones, and droughts have intensified due to climate change, causing economic losses, food insecurity, and displacement.
The WMO and global leaders urge increased climate resilience, emissions cuts, and adaptation measures, especially for the most vulnerable regions. These points cover the critical updates and findings on global climate conditions as of 2024 and underscore the urgent need for climate action.
