2024 is set to be the hottest year recorded, with projections indicating temperatures will exceed 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, as reported by Copernicus. Extreme weather events are increasing, urging urgent climate action ahead of pivotal UN discussions in Azerbaijan. Current trajectories of emissions forecast a potential rise of 3.1C this century, exacerbating the impacts of climate change significantly.
The year 2024 is projected to be the hottest year on record, surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). This alarming increase in global temperature underscores a new milestone ahead of crucial UN climate negotiations in Azerbaijan, which are poised to address urgent carbon reduction targets. The previous month witnessed extreme weather events, such as catastrophic flooding in Spain and Hurricane Milton in the United States, contributing to record-breaking average global temperatures that rank second only to 2023. Copernicus has stated that 2024 is likely to see temperatures exceed 1.55 degrees Celsius above the historical baseline of 1850-1900, marking a significant concern as it does not yet breach the agreements outlined in the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. However, the frightening reality is that climate action remains inadequate, with current trajectories indicating a possible rise of 3.1 degrees Celsius by century’s end unless substantial efforts are made to curtail emissions. The implications are dire, as climatologists assert that every fraction of temperature increase intensifies destructive climate phenomena. Among the concerning trends, warmer air and oceans promote increased water retention and evaporation, resulting in severe weather, including torrential rains and droughts across numerous regions worldwide. The Copernicus report emphasizes extreme rainfall patterns in various continents, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas, while simultaneously highlighting the severe drought affecting vast populations in the United States. The agency’s records stem from extensive data collected through various technologies, providing a comprehensive view of climatic shifts over recent years and extending insights from historical data.
In light of increasing global temperatures and extreme weather events, the narrative surrounding climate change is intensifying, especially as 2024 approaches. The Copernicus Climate Change Service plays a pivotal role in monitoring climate data, providing critical insights into the current state of the Earth’s atmosphere. As nations prepare for vital climate negotiations, the pressing need for concerted efforts to mitigate climate change is underscored by alarming projections showing the potential for unprecedented levels of warming, threatening ecosystems and human livelihoods worldwide. The history of climate science indicates that the planet is experiencing some of the most significant temperature increases in the last 100,000 years, heightening concerns regarding the resilience of natural and human-made systems.
In summary, the year 2024 is anticipated to set a concerning record for global temperatures, exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius and highlighting the urgent need for actionable climate strategies. As the world grapples with extreme weather events and rising greenhouse gas levels, it is imperative that the upcoming UN climate talks lead to ambitious commitments aimed at limiting future warming. Without immediate and collaborative actions worldwide, the risks of severe climate repercussions will only intensify, affecting countless lives and ecological balances.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
