The UN reports that the world has faced a “decade of deadly heat” with 2024 marking one of the hottest years on record. António Guterres emphasized the need for immediate action to reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy. The WMO noted that extreme weather events are heightened by climate change, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement. Growing collaboration among nations is vital for addressing the escalating risks of heat and climate extremes.
The world has recently concluded a decade characterized by extreme heat, with 2024 emerging as one of the hottest years recorded, according to the United Nations. In his annual address, Secretary-General António Guterres reported that all of the ten hottest years in history have occurred within the last ten years, underscoring the urgent climate crisis. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) is expected to release official temperature statistics in January, highlighting the unnatural warmth experienced during the past year. This unprecedented increase in temperatures is largely attributed to human activities, which continue to elevate greenhouse gas concentrations, exacerbating weather extremes and prompting a rise in global temperatures.
Guterres emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating, “I can officially report that we have just endured a decade of deadly heat. The top 10 hottest years on record have happened in the last 10 years, including 2024.” He urgently called for global leaders to take immediate action, advocating for significant emissions reductions and a transition towards renewable energy by 2025 to avert further climate deterioration.
Celeste Saulo, the WMO Secretary-General, echoed these sentiments, remarking that any increment in temperatures can result in severe climate anomalies. She noted that the past year witnessed unprecedented rainfall, devastating floods, and significant loss of life across various nations due to climate-related phenomena. Furthermore, Saulo pointed out that tropical cyclones and extreme heat waves have resulted in catastrophic economic losses and widespread human suffering, particularly in regions such as Mayotte, located in the Indian Ocean.
The WMO referenced findings from a recent report indicating that climate change exacerbated 26 of the 29 extreme weather incidents analyzed in 2024. These events collectively resulted in the fatality of over 3,700 individuals and displaced millions of people worldwide. Moreover, climate change led to an alarming increase of 41 days of extreme heat compared to previous years, as reported by the World Weather Attribution network of climate scientists. This growing trend underscores the necessity for global collaboration to address the escalating threats posed by extreme heat events.
The article focuses on the alarming statistical evidence presented by the United Nations regarding the increase in global temperatures over the past decade. It highlights the intensifying effects of climate change, driven by human activities, and the need for urgent action to mitigate its impacts. The recognition of 2024 as part of the hottest years on record reflects a concerning trend in climate patterns, which has been further documented by various meteorological organizations and research institutions. The exacerbation of extreme weather phenomena and significant loss of life serve as compelling indicators of the urgent climate crisis facing our planet.
In summary, the last decade has been marked by unprecedented heat levels, culminating in 2024 as a record year for global temperatures. The UN cautions that immediate action is essential to combat climate change and its devastating impacts. Secretary-General António Guterres and WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo have both called for urgent emissions reductions and international cooperation. The findings underscore the critical need for proactive measures to safeguard communities and ecosystems from future climate extremes.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
