The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has announced that 2024 is poised to become the warmest year on record, concluding a decade of unprecedented heat driven by human activities. Secretary-General António Guterres described this stark reality as “climate breakdown — in real time,” urging immediate action to avert further climate disasters.
A Decade of Deadly Heat
Reflecting on the past decade, Mr. Guterres noted that all ten of the hottest years on record occurred within this period, including 2024. He stressed the urgent need to “exit this road to ruin” by slashing emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy.
WMO will release the final global temperature data for 2024 in January 2025, followed by the comprehensive State of the Global Climate 2024 report in March.
Climate Catastrophes and Extremes in 2024
The year 2024 was marked by a series of climate-related disasters, as highlighted in WMO reports:
- Extreme Heat: 41 additional days of dangerous heat were documented, exacerbating risks to human health and ecosystems.
- Deadly Weather Events: Climate change amplified 26 of 29 studied weather events, causing at least 3,700 deaths and displacing millions.
- Record-breaking Rainfall and Flooding: Unprecedented flooding led to significant loss of life and livelihoods on every continent.
- Scorching Heat Waves and Wildfires: Temperatures surpassed 50°C in some regions, intensifying wildfires that ravaged vast areas.
Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General, described these events as a sobering wake-up call, emphasizing that even a fraction of a degree in global warming heightens climate extremes and associated risks.
Hope in the Face of Crisis
Despite the grim realities, progress was made in 2024:
- The Pact for the Future was adopted to promote disarmament, financial reform, gender equality, and ethical innovation.
- COP29 Climate Conference focused on increasing financial support for vulnerable nations disproportionately impacted by climate change.
Developing nations, though responsible for minimal historical emissions, bear the brunt of extreme weather. In response, international experts gathered in December to develop a coordinated framework to combat extreme heat.
Looking Ahead to 2025: A Critical Year for Action
Designated as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, 2025 will prioritize efforts to protect the cryosphere—Earth’s frozen regions vital for regulating global temperatures. Other key initiatives include:
- Global Greenhouse Gas Watch: Improving monitoring of greenhouse gas net fluxes globally.
- Early Warnings for All Programme: Developing anticipatory systems to protect against hazardous environmental events by 2027.
As WMO approaches its 75th anniversary, Ms. Saulo called for urgent and unified global action, stressing the shared responsibility to safeguard the planet.
A Call to Action
The trajectory of the past decade serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for transformative action. With coordinated efforts and global solidarity, 2025 could mark a turning point in humanity’s fight against climate change.
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