September 2024 was the second-warmest September on record, with global temperatures significantly elevated. The rising warmth has led to more frequent and severe weather events, highlighting the urgent need for climate action. Experts warn that greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, complicating efforts to meet international climate goals.
In September, the earth experienced its second-warmest September on record, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, which suggests that 2024 is on track to set the record for the hottest year ever. Exceptional weather events characterized the month, including intense rainfall and severe storms stemming from the effects of climate change, which elevates global temperatures and exacerbates weather conditions. The Copernicus report noted that the average global temperature for September 2024, measured through an accumulation of data from various sources, was only surpassed by September 2023. Notably, multiple regions encountered extreme weather phenomena, including Hurricane Helene’s impact on the southeastern United States, Typhoon Krathon’s assault on Taiwan, and significant flooding from Storm Boris in central Europe. Additionally, countries across Asia, including Nepal and Japan, faced lethal flooding, while Pakistan suffered considerable disruptions due to monsoon conditions. Copernicus indicated that the averages for the months from January to September 2024 have consistently exceeded previous records, with fourteen of the last fifteen months experiencing temperatures at least 1.5 degrees Celsius higher than the historical benchmarks set during the pre-industrial era (1850-1900). While these figures do not breach the measures outlined in the Paris Agreement for climate control, experts express concern that the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold is moving further out of reach. The UN Environment Programme has warned that current trajectories for greenhouse gas emissions could lead to a temperature rise of up to 2.9 degrees Celsius by the end of the century, counteracting efforts to mitigate climate change. Overall, the Copernicus reports, backed by historical data from diverse scientific investigations, imply that the present climatic conditions are among the warmest the planet has experienced in approximately 100,000 years, marking a significant moment in the ongoing discourse on climate change and its implications for future generations.
The report from Copernicus highlights a worrying trend in global climate patterns, noting that the rise in temperatures is accompanied by an increase in extreme weather events. Enhanced global warming, driven primarily by greenhouse gas emissions, is causing profound impacts on weather systems, which results in more severe storms and unpredictable rainfall. This is particularly alarming in light of international agreements intended to control climate change and prevent global temperature increases beyond 1.5 to 2 degrees Celsius.
The findings from the Copernicus Climate Change Service underscore the urgent need for comprehensive action to address the escalating effects of climate change. With 2024 poised to be an exceptionally warm year and extreme weather events becoming increasingly common, it is vital for global leaders to intensify efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adhere to climate agreements to limit future temperature rises. The current trajectory could have devastating implications for the planet and its inhabitants, calling for immediate remedial action.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
