In 2024, Earth recorded its hottest year ever, surpassing the dangerous threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius, marking the first time this limit was exceeded for an entire year. Such warming is attributed mainly to greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels and leads to significant climate-related disasters, including extreme weather and rising sea levels. Experts warn of dire consequences if this trend persists, highlighting the need for urgent action.
In 2024, Earth experienced unprecedented warming, marking the hottest year on record as per various weather monitoring agencies. This event resulted in a temporary breach of the critical climate threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a limit emphasized in the 2015 Paris climate accord. Such a situation, if sustained, could exacerbate numerous climate-related disasters, leading to increased mortality, widespread destruction, and significant ecological losses, including rising sea levels and extreme weather phenomena.
The global average temperature exceeded 2023’s record and significantly crossed the long-term warming limit. While some U.S. government agencies reported lower increases, others provided estimates reflecting the dire reality of climate change. The accumulation of greenhouse gases, predominantly from fossil fuel combustion, has been identified as the primary driver of this alarming temperature rise. The year 2024 has already seen massive climate-induced disasters in the U.S., exemplifying the profound consequences of these temperature shifts.
The significance of the Earth’s gradual temperature rise lies in its implications for global ecosystems and human safety. Historically, scientists have established thresholds, such as the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit, to mitigate the most severe impacts of climate change. The Paris Agreement represents a concerted global effort to remain below this threshold to protect vulnerable ecosystems and populations from catastrophic climate disruptions. Recent data highlight a concerning trend of permanent shifts in Earth’s climate patterns, stressing the need for immediate and comprehensive policy responses.
The record-breaking temperatures of 2024 serve as a stark reminder of the urgency required in addressing climate change. Continuing to exceed critical temperature thresholds could lead to irreversible changes to our climate and environment. As the data reveals, the resultant disasters underline the need for intensified action against greenhouse gas emissions, alongside a commitment to maintain limits set by international agreements to prevent further catastrophic climate impacts.
Original Source: www.keranews.org
