The UN warns that the Paris climate agreement’s goals are under severe threat as 2024 is expected to record high temperatures. The WMO indicates that the decade from 2015 to 2024 is the warmest on record, highlighting the urgency for action against climate change. Extreme weather has been linked to rising temperatures, suggesting that global leaders must prioritize climate action at the COP29 conference in Baku.
The United Nations has issued a grave warning regarding the status of the Paris climate agreement’s aspirations, indicating that its objectives are currently in jeopardy. As the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) convenes in Baku, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported that the decade from 2015 to 2024 is projected to be the warmest on record. WMO’s chief, Celeste Saulo, has declared a “red alert,” emphasizing the urgent need for action to combat climate change. This alarming trend is linked to the acceleration of glacial melting and rising sea levels, which are contributing to increasingly severe weather events worldwide. The WMO’s findings underscore that the ambitions outlined in the Paris Agreement, which aims to maintain the global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, face significant threats. Reports suggest that the global temperature in 2024 may surpass the critical limit of 1.5 degrees Celsius. António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, emphasized that climate change poses significant risks to health, exacerbates inequalities, and undermines peace. Analysis conducted by international experts indicates that global warming is currently estimated at approximately 1.3 degrees Celsius compared to baseline figures from 1850 to 1900. Despite increasing greenhouse gas concentrations and persistent ocean heat, Saulo insisted on the necessity of adhering to the target of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Saulo further explained that every fraction of a degree in temperature rise has profound implications, leading to heightened climate extremes and risks. The current year has seen devastating weather events, including unprecedented rainfall and flooding across various continents, which serve as a stark reminder of the destructive power of a warming climate. She characterized the extreme weather occurrences of this year as “our new reality” and a precursor of what to expect in the future.
The Paris climate agreement was established to unite nations in the fight against climate change by committing to reducing global warming. The agreement marks a significant international effort to limit temperature rise and mitigate the effects of climate change. However, recent climate data indicates alarming trends that could derail these goals, particularly as global temperature measurements reflect a concerning trajectory. The ongoing COP29 conference serves as a crucial platform for leaders to discuss strategies for addressing these pressing climate challenges.
In summary, the United Nations has highlighted a critical need for immediate action to address the threats to the Paris Agreement’s objectives, as record temperatures and severe weather events indicate a trajectory away from established climate goals. The WMO asserts that the challenges posed by climate change require urgent recognition and a transformative response from global leaders at COP29. Without decisive action, the impacts of climate change are expected to worsen, presenting significant risks to humanity and the natural world.
Original Source: www.batimes.com.ar
