The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that 2024 is likely to become the hottest year on record due to rising global temperatures exceeding 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. This announcement highlights the urgent need for global climate action ahead of upcoming UN climate negotiations, as alarming weather events continue to unfold across the globe.
The European climate monitoring agency, Copernicus, has issued a report declaring that 2024 is “virtually certain” to become the hottest year on record. Global temperatures are expected to exceed limits set by the Paris Agreement long before the year 2030. Copernicus indicated that this escalation is a result of increasing climate events, which serve as a critical warning for global action ahead of the upcoming United Nations climate discussions in Azerbaijan. Data shows 2024 is anticipated to exceed 1.55 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial averages, marking a significant milestone in climate change and emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced initiatives to combat carbon emissions. Last month witnessed unprecedented climate phenomena, including severe flooding in Spain and Hurricane Milton causing havoc in the United States. These events contributed to October being recorded as the second hottest in history. Copernicus noted that while 2024’s temperatures may not technically violate the Paris Agreement—due to the agreement’s long-term focus—this development highlights the immediate and critical state of global warming. Samantha Burgess, Deputy Director of Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), affirmed that “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.” The upcoming UN climate negotiations are pivotal as they follow contentious political transitions in the United States. The recent shift of climate policy, marked by former President Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, poses additional challenges. Moreover, as average global temperatures and greenhouse gas concentrations rise, scientists warn that the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit set by climate agreements is rapidly becoming unreachable. The urgency to act is underscored by the implications of climate change, including severe droughts and heightened rainfall, impacting numerous regions globally.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service, managed by the European Union, plays a foundational role in monitoring and analyzing climate data globally. With climate change rapidly accelerating, the significance of this report lies in its implications for international climate policy and environmental health. The connection between rising global temperatures and extreme weather phenomena is well documented, with the current trends indicating a trajectory that may lead to devastating consequences if not addressed promptly. Understanding the scientific data collected from various sources, including satellites and weather stations, prepares stakeholders for discussions aimed at mitigating climate change and its adverse effects.
The findings presented by the Copernicus Climate Change Service underscore an alarming trend in global warming as 2024 is projected to set a new record as the hottest year. As nations prepare for crucial climate negotiations, it is essential to acknowledge the pressing need for stronger measures to reduce carbon emissions and manage the consequences of climate change. With the stakes higher than ever, collaborative international efforts are imperative to ensure a sustainable future for the planet.
Original Source: www.france24.com
