Global temperatures have soared to unprecedented levels in 2024, raising urgent questions about our planet’s future and the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius limit set by the Paris Agreement.
A Decade of Heat
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that 2015 to 2024 marks the hottest decade on record. This year alone, several countries in the Global South faced extreme temperatures:
- Philippines: Temperatures hit 50°C before May, forcing thousands of schools to close.
- Mexico: Matched its all-time high of 52°C in June.
- Egypt: Set a national record of 50.9°C.
- Chad, Ghana, and Laos: Also experienced unprecedented heat levels.
On July 22, data from the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) revealed that the global average surface air temperature reached 17.15°C, marking the hottest single day in recorded history.
The Impact of Extreme Weather
Global warming is intensifying the frequency and severity of extreme weather events worldwide. In 2024, floods, droughts, and wildfires became alarmingly common:
- Floods: From Kathmandu to Dubai, destructive floods displaced millions.
- Storms in Guangzhou: Severe storms with tornadoes and hail resulted in five deaths and 33 injuries.
- Droughts and Wildfires: The Amazon rainforest and Pantanal Wetland faced severe droughts and wildfires, leading to significant biodiversity loss.
“Our climate is collapsing, and the signs have never been clearer,” stated United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. He warned that climate disasters are becoming more frequent, affecting lives, livelihoods, and economic stability.
The World Weather Attribution report found that climate change directly contributed to the deaths of at least 3,700 people and displaced millions across 26 major weather events in 2024.
Causes Behind the Crisis
“Human activity remains the primary driver of global warming,” said Zhou Bing, chief expert of meteorological services at China Meteorological Administration. Activities like transportation, housing, and consumption contribute significantly to carbon emissions.
The global carbon budget report shows that 2024 witnessed a record-high of 41.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels. Deforestation and forest fires further exacerbate the problem.
Additionally, El Niño and La Niña events in the equatorial Pacific are influencing global weather patterns. El Niño involves abnormally warm sea surface temperatures, while La Niña represents unusually cool temperatures. Both disrupt atmospheric circulation, leading to significant climate effects worldwide.
What Lies Ahead
The UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change predicts that global temperatures will continue to rise over the next decade, potentially exceeding the 1.5°C threshold.
“Climate disasters are harming health, exacerbating inequality, and undermining peace,” warned Guterres at the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan. Experts caution that continued warming could bring unpredictable and severe consequences.
The Meaning of the 1.5°C Threshold
C3S data confirms that 2024 has been the hottest year on record, with global temperatures surpassing the critical 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. However, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo clarified that temporary temperature spikes above 1.5°C do not signify the failure of the Paris Agreement.
“Even small increases in warming significantly amplify the risks of extreme weather events and their impacts,” Saulo explained.
The Urgency for Action
The record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather events of 2024 serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action on climate change. It’s a call to the world, especially the younger generation, to advocate for sustainable practices and policies that can help steer our planet towards a safer future.
Reference(s):
Temperature breaks records in 2024: Are we at the threshold of 1.5?
cgtn.com
