The United Nations reports that 2024 has seen extreme weather conditions and record high temperatures, making it potentially the hottest year ever. Greenhouse gas emissions have reached new heights, leading to devastating weather events worldwide, including floods and wildfires. The urgency for countries to dramatically cut emissions and transition to renewable energy has become critical to combat ongoing climate change effects.
The year 2024 has witnessed unprecedented extreme weather events and record-breaking temperatures, as reported by the United Nations. This year is predicted to be the warmest on record, concluding a decade marked by extreme heat. The World Meteorological Organization highlighted that greenhouse gas emissions have reached their highest levels yet, significantly contributing to future heating. Severe weather events, including intense rainfall, flooding, and devastating wildfires, have resulted in significant loss of life and economic disruption across various regions. In particular, tropical cyclones have inflicted devastating impacts, particularly in territories such as Mayotte.
The 2015 Paris Agreement aimed to curb global warming to well below two degrees Celsius relative to pre-industrial levels, with an aspirational target of limiting it to 1.5 degrees Celsius. The current trends, however, see average temperatures for January to September 2024 already surpassing pre-industrial averages by 1.54 degrees Celsius. This upward trajectory indicates that 2024 is likely to exceed the previous year’s high, which was recorded at 1.45 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The complete data for global temperatures will be released in January with an extensive report scheduled for March.
In a recent address, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the urgency of the situation, declaring that this past decade has been characterized by alarming heat, calling it a “climate breakdown in real time.” He emphasized the necessity for nations to act decisively in 2025 to reduce emissions significantly and bolster the transition to renewable energy, declaring that doing so is both essential and achievable.
The escalation of climate change effects has become an undeniable global concern as evidenced by the UN’s latest reports. The need for urgent and comprehensive action has been reiterated, especially in light of record high temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions. The international community is bound by agreements such as the Paris Accords, which set targets for limiting warming. However, recent indicators suggest that not only is the world not on track to meet these targets, but conditions are worsening on a global scale with severe weather events causing massive human and ecological harm.
In summary, 2024 is set to be the hottest year on record, signifying the critical impact of climate change experienced worldwide. With ongoing increases in greenhouse gas emissions contributing to extreme weather incidents, the UN has called for immediate global action. The urgency to combat climate breakdown is paramount, urging nations to commit to drastic emission reductions and invest in renewable energy to secure a better future for our planet.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
