2024 is projected to be the hottest year on record, surpassing 1.5C warming, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Significant climate events last month included deadly flooding and hurricanes, contributing to extreme weather conditions. These developments urge immediate action at the forthcoming climate talks, highlighting the severe implications of rising global temperatures.
The year 2024 is projected to become the hottest year on record, with global temperatures expected to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. This unprecedented warming is underscored by significant climatic events in October, including severe flooding in Spain and Hurricane Milton in the United States, which contributed to it being the second hottest October recorded globally. Average temperatures are forecasted to be more than 1.55 degrees Celsius above the 1850-1900 baseline, just prior to extensive fossil fuel use. Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, indicated, “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 warning serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need to escalate climate action, especially with the upcoming COP29 climate negotiations in Azerbaijan. Although the Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius, current emissions trends suggest significant challenges in meeting these targets. Furthermore, the implications of these rising temperatures extend beyond mere statistics; warmer climates are associated with increased rainfall, intensified storms, and the exacerbation of droughts in various regions. Copernicus reported that average sea surface temperatures are also at a record high for October. Utilizing extensive data from numerous sources, the agency provides evidence that the current climatic conditions are among the warmest experienced on Earth in the past 100,000 years.
The article discusses the alarming trend of global warming, focusing on the expectation that 2024 will exceed a crucial climate threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This situation is alarming as it highlights the urgent need for enhanced climate actions and policies, especially in light of the impending UN climate talks, where nations will discuss future commitments to mitigate climate change. The report emphasizes that while breaching the 1.5C milestone does not formally violate the Paris Agreement, the implications of rising global temperatures pose severe risks to ecosystems and human societies alike.
In conclusion, the data presented by Copernicus illustrates a stark reality of climate change, with 2024 projected to be the warmest year on record as global temperatures rise above the critical 1.5C threshold. This serves as a decisive call to action for nations to strengthen their commitments to reducing emissions and mitigating climate impacts. The trends observed underscore not only the necessity for immediate climate policies but also the collaborative efforts needed at the upcoming global climate negotiations in Azerbaijan.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
