The year 2024 is poised to be the warmest year on record, with global temperatures already surging. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reports that this unprecedented heat continues the rising trend of global temperatures. This trend has made the past decade the hottest on record. The WMO’s State of the Climate 2024 Update highlights the alarming speed of climate change. This change is fueled by soaring greenhouse gas levels.
From January to September 2024, the global average temperature was 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels. This increase is driven by the ongoing El Niño event. Additionally, the persistent rise in greenhouse gases is a contributing factor, especially carbon dioxide (CO2). These record-high temperatures are intensifying the impacts of climate change, causing significant disruptions worldwide.
“The pace at which the planet is warming is alarming. It serves as a stark reminder of the climate catastrophe we are facing,” said UN Secretary-General António Guterres. “The vulnerable, especially those in the Global South, are suffering the most.”
THE HOTTEST DECADE ON RECORD
The WMO also reports that the period between 2015 and 2024 is now set to become the hottest decade on record. This warming has led to a drastic acceleration in the loss of ice from glaciers. It has also resulted in rising sea levels and increased ocean heating. These changes are not just environmental; they are impacting economies, communities, and health worldwide.
EXCEEDING 1.5°C: WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE PARIS AGREEMENT?
While temperatures have exceeded 1.5°C on a monthly and annual basis, the WMO emphasized that the goal of the Paris Agreement remains achievable. The key is to limit this warming over a long period. The Agreement’s target refers to sustained global temperatures. It does not refer to short-term fluctuations. The WMO stressed reducing emissions urgently. It urged transitioning to renewable energy to prevent crossing the 2°C threshold in the coming decades.
THE GLOBAL WARMING SURGE: IS THIS THE NEW NORMAL?
2024’s temperature anomalies have been recorded at levels far beyond what the world has experienced before. The WMO’s consolidated analysis shows that global temperatures have been significantly higher than average for 16 consecutive months. This increase has caused major disruptions worldwide. Extreme heat waves, unprecedented flooding, and severe droughts are becoming more frequent, underscoring the immediate need for action.
“We are seeing firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change: heat waves, wildfires, and floods,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. “These climate extremes are the new normal, and we must prepare for worse if we don’t act now.”
GREENHOUSE GASES CONTINUE TO SOAR
As of 2023, the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere reached an all-time high, surpassing 420 parts per million (ppm). This marks an alarming 51% increase since the pre-industrial era. CO2 is a key driver of global warming, trapping heat in the atmosphere and contributing to rising global temperatures.
The WMO’s report indicates that 2024 is on track to maintain this upward trend in greenhouse gas concentrations. There is little sign of a slowdown in emissions. The global increase in CO2 levels has already begun to outstrip efforts to mitigate the climate crisis. The oceans are absorbing vast amounts of this excess heat.
OCEAN WARMING: A GLOBAL ENERGY SINK
The oceans are absorbing more heat than ever before. They account for about 90% of the excess energy in the Earth system. Between 2005 and 2023, the world’s oceans absorbed roughly 3.1 million terawatt-hours (TWh) of heat per year—more than 18 times the energy consumed globally in 2023. This phenomenon is contributing to rising ocean temperatures and accelerated sea level rise.
Ocean warming is irreversible on centennial to millennial timescales. It is clear that the effects of ocean warming will persist long into the future.
ACCELERATING SEA LEVEL RISE AND GLACIER LOSS
Sea levels are rising at an alarming rate. From 2014 to 2023, global sea levels increased by an average of 4.77 mm per year. This rate is more than double that seen between 1993 and 2002. The El Niño effect accelerated this rise in 2023. Preliminary data suggests that sea levels will continue to rise even after El Niño subsides.
Glacier loss is also accelerating. In 2023, glaciers lost a record 1.2 meters of ice, the largest loss on record since measurements began in 1953. This has significant implications for freshwater supplies, as glaciers provide crucial water sources for millions of people around the world. In Switzerland, glaciers have lost 10% of their volume in the last two years. This further highlights the dire consequences of the ongoing climate crisis.
EXTREME WEATHER: A GLIMPSE OF OUR FUTURE
Extreme weather events are intensifying, with deadly heat waves, floods, and tropical storms becoming more frequent and severe. The WMO points out that these events cause physical damage. They also have broader effects on communities, economies, and public health.
In 2023, an unprecedented number of tropical cyclones and extreme rainfall events wreaked havoc across several continents. Regions that experienced persistent drought were hit hardest by the El Niño effect. This exacerbated food insecurity and increased the risk of wildfires.
“The connection between extreme weather and climate change is clearer than ever,” said Dr. Petteri Taalas, WMO Secretary-General. “What we once thought of as rare, catastrophic events are now occurring with alarming frequency.”
THE ROAD TO COP29: WILL LEADERS ACT IN TIME?
As world leaders convene at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the urgency for action has never been greater. The latest WMO findings underscore the perilous trajectory the planet is on. They highlight the need for immediate and transformative climate action.
“We must accelerate the transition to renewable energy, reduce emissions, and enhance climate resilience across all sectors,” urged WMO officials. “The clock is ticking, and the time to act is now.”
CLIMATE SERVICES AND EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS: A BRIGHT SPOT AMIDST THE CRISIS
Despite the grim outlook, there has been some positive progress in the realm of climate adaptation. The WMO has highlighted the growing development of climate services. They are also focusing on early warning systems (EW4All). These systems are designed to provide life-saving information to vulnerable populations.
Countries around the world have made strides in creating Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems, with 108 nations reporting such systems in place. These systems are key in helping communities respond to extreme weather and reduce the damage caused by climate events.
“Early warnings are critical to saving lives and protecting communities,” said Celeste Saulo. “We must continue to build on these efforts and guarantee that everyone is protected from the impacts of climate change.”
URGENT NEED FOR GLOBAL COOPERATION
The climate crisis is a global challenge that requires a united effort. While some countries are making progress in reducing emissions, others are still increasing their carbon footprints. According to the WMO, the global peak in fossil CO2 emissions has not been reached. Efforts to reduce emissions must intensify globally.
“We can’t afford to let the gap between those making progress and those falling behind grow wider,” said Dr. Glen Peters of the CICERO Center for International Climate Research. “Climate action is a collective problem, and we need to accelerate efforts on every front.”
