The impacts of climate change reached alarming levels in 2024, projected to be the warmest year on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Extreme weather events, intensified by climate change, have resulted in severe human and economic tolls worldwide. Experts emphasize an urgent need for nations to shift to renewable energy and better prepare for climate-related challenges ahead of significant global events in 2025.
In 2024, the world has witnessed significant impacts of climate change, characterized by cascading effects that stretch from mountain peaks to ocean depths, affecting communities, economies, and the environment. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has projected this year to be the warmest on record, marking a decade of unprecedented heat driven by human activities. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the importance of even the slightest increase in temperature, underscoring its contributions to extreme weather events, economic loss, and humanitarian crises globally,
This year has seen alarming levels of rainfall leading to extensive flooding, tropical cyclones, and deadly heatwaves with temperatures soaring beyond 50°C in several regions. In addition, a recent report revealed that climate change has exacerbated the majority of the 29 extreme weather incidents analyzed. The report, “When Risks Become Reality: Extreme Weather in 2024,” highlights that climate change resulted in an additional 41 days of perilous heat in 2024, significantly impacting both human health and ecosystems.
Furthermore, Friederike Otto from the World Weather Attribution initiative stated, “We do have the knowledge and technology to move away from fossil fuels, towards renewable energies… The solutions have been in front of us for years.” She stressed the urgent need for all nations to transition to renewable energy sources and adjust to the realities of extreme weather.
Efforts are being initiated by the WMO and UNESCO to promote the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation in 2025, aimed at highlighting the critical role of glaciers and ice in the climate system and hydrology. Despite some temporary advances, glaciers are overwhelmingly retreating due to escalating global temperatures. The 2024 Arctic Report Card released by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration documents profound shifts in the Arctic environment, including increased wildfires and enhanced winter precipitation.
Julie Arrighi, Director of Programmes at the Climate Centre, remarked that the extreme weather patterns experienced this year expose communities’ unpreparedness for the consequences of climate change. There is an urgent need for countries worldwide to fortify their preparedness against impending climate threats to reduce disaster impacts.
Climate change represents a profound challenge for the global community, influencing weather patterns, geographical features, and the daily lives of millions. The term describes transformative changes in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events that are largely attributed to human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels. The consequences of climate change manifest in alarming trends, such as glacier retreat, rising sea levels, and heightened frequency of extreme weather events. Reports from authoritative organizations like the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and scientific publications increasingly highlight these interconnected changes, urging immediate global action to mitigate further impacts and transition towards sustainable practices.
The urgency of addressing climate change cannot be overstated. The evidence presented from 2024 demonstrates that human activities have triggered unprecedented environmental changes, leading to severe weather impacts on communities and ecosystems alike. With critical milestones approaching, including the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation in 2025, it is imperative that every nation enhances its strategies to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy and fortifies its resilience against climate extremities to safeguard future generations.
Original Source: www.climatecentre.org
