The United Nations has warned that climate change is leading to extreme weather and record heat in 2024, marking it as potentially the hottest year on record. Greenhouse gas emissions have reached new peaks, exacerbating this issue. The urgency to reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy is highlighted as essential for mitigating further climate impacts.
In a significant report, the United Nations has declared that climate change has triggered a series of extreme weather events and unprecedented heat in 2024, warning that the global community must steer away from a “road to ruin.” The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) revealed that this year is poised to become the hottest on record, demonstrating a decade marked by exceptional heat levels. Furthermore, greenhouse gas emissions reached new heights, perpetuating an increase in global temperatures for years to come.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the urgent reality of climate change manifesting through increased extreme weather occurrences. This year alone has seen catastrophic flooding and rainfall, resulting in tragic loss of life across many nations. Tropical cyclones, particularly severe ones affecting areas such as Mayotte in the Indian Ocean, imposed substantial human and economic costs. Additionally, numerous countries experienced severe heat waves, with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit), leading to widespread wildfires.
The 2015 Paris climate agreements were designed to regulate global warming to below two degrees Celsius, ideally to 1.5 degrees Celsius. As of September this year, the WMO recorded a mean surface air temperature that was 1.54 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, indicating that 2024 is set to surpass last year’s previous records. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reflected on the severe temperature increases over the past decade, stating that the last ten years have accounted for the top ten hottest years on record.
As actions must be taken without delay, Mr. Guterres urged that by 2025, countries must implement significant measures to reduce emissions and foster a transition to renewable energy. He stressed the vital importance and feasibility of achieving this goal to avert further climate deterioration.
The discussion of climate change has become increasingly urgent, particularly in light of the profound impacts observed globally in recent years. The UN’s report underscores a critical moment for the international community to respond to the escalating effects of climate change. The consequences of rising temperatures and extreme weather patterns highlight the failure to meet existing climate agreements aimed at stabilizing global temperatures. Enhanced awareness and collaborative action are deemed essential to counteract these alarming trends and ensure a sustainable future.
In conclusion, the United Nations’ report on climate change reveals alarming trends for 2024, with the year projected to be the hottest on record amidst increasing greenhouse gas emissions and extreme weather events. The urgency of reducing emissions and transitioning to renewable energy has never been more poignant. The collective responsibility lies with countries worldwide to adopt comprehensive measures to address climate change in order to avert further catastrophic impacts.
Original Source: www.france24.com
