The World Meteorological Organization reported that 2024 may have been the first year to surpass 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, with greenhouse gases at an 800,000-year high. This unprecedented warmth has been linked to extreme weather events worldwide, necessitating urgent action to transition to clean energy and mitigate future climate impacts.
Climate change remains the most pressing challenge of the current century, requiring urgent monitoring of its effects. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported that 2024 may have been the first year to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial averages, with greenhouse gas levels reaching their highest in 800,000 years. Extreme weather events, including Hurricane Helene and significant flooding in Africa’s Sahel, have been linked to these climate changes, underscoring the need for a transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.
The report highlights that 2024 was recorded as the warmest year since the initiation of comprehensive global records 175 years ago, with an estimated increase of 1.55°C compared to the period from 1850 to 1900. The rise in global temperatures has been stark, with prior record years demonstrating a jump in temperature associated with human-induced climate change. Factors contributing to the increase include an El Niño event and decreased shipping pollution.
Carbon dioxide levels have reached unprecedented highs at 427 parts per million, while sea level rise has accelerated dramatically. Seasonal sea-ice levels are at a decreased state, and notable glacial melt and ocean acidification continue unabated. The warming of the planet persists, resulting in unusual weather patterns, extreme heatwaves, and a host of global crises in various regions, particularly in Africa and South America.
Notably, the media tends to amplify events impacting North America and Europe while downplaying the severe outcomes of extreme weather in regions such as Africa and Southeast Asia. The report reveals severe drought and flooding have notably affected southern Africa, and record lows in Amazon tributaries have been observed.
As climate change impacts escalate, the report serves as a grim reminder that humanity’s historic reliance on fossil fuels has propelled these changes. The urgency for effective action is paramount as each fraction of a degree of warming perpetuates adverse effects. Managing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to mitigate further disaster and achieve a sustainable future.
In summary, the year 2024 has marked a critical point in the trajectory of climate change, demonstrating record-breaking temperatures and an alarming increase in greenhouse gas emissions. The compounding effects of extreme weather events underscore the urgency for a global transition to clean energy and comprehensive climate action. It is evident that the repercussions of climate inaction today will only exacerbate in the future, making immediate and sustained efforts vital for the health of the planet and its inhabitants.
Original Source: eveningreport.nz
