The World Meteorological Organization reports that 2024 will likely be the warmest year on record, driven by human activities. The rise in greenhouse gas levels is unprecedented, leading to increased weather extremes. A comprehensive report on the global climate will be released in 2025, while climate-related initiatives like “Early Warnings for All” address the urgent need for adaptation and mitigation efforts.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) announced that 2024 is projected to be the warmest year observed to date, culminating a decade marked by exceptional heat primarily driven by human activities. This conclusion stems from a report released today, indicating a continual rise in greenhouse gas concentrations, which are now at unprecedented levels and further entrenching future warming. The WMO plans to disclose the consolidated global temperature figure for 2024 in January, with a comprehensive ‘State of the Global Climate 2024’ report to follow in March 2025.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the importance of warming fraction, stating, “Every fraction of a degree of warming matters, and increases climate extremes, impacts and risks.” She noted that temperature records are merely one aspect of climate change, which is increasingly visible through the frequent and severe weather events occurring worldwide. This year alone, various regions experienced devastating rainfall and floods, tragic loss of life, and the severe economic consequences associated with tropical cyclones and extreme heat events, with temperatures surpassing 50 °C in several locations.
In response to this escalating situation, the WMO is leading initiatives such as “Early Warnings for All” to enhance climate adaptation efforts, while also launching the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch to support international climate agreements, including those under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Notably, the organization will redirect considerable focus in 2025 toward the cryosphere, recognizing the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation facilitated by UNESCO.
A recent study by World Weather Attribution revealed that climate change intensified 26 out of 29 analyzed weather events in 2024, resulting in more than 3,700 fatalities and displacing millions. In particular, the report cited an increase of 41 days of extreme heat threatening human health and ecosystems, underscoring the necessity for cooperative global responses to extreme heat risks.
To this end, a specialized group of experts from 15 international organizations, 12 countries, and various leading academic and non-government organizations convened in mid-December to develop a coordinated approach to tackle the rising threats posed by extreme heat, fulfilling a directive from the UN Secretary-General for immediate action.
The topic of climate change and global warming has gained traction as scientific evidence increasingly links rising temperatures to human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases. Over the past decade, the impacts of climate change, including severe weather events and natural disasters, have intensified, underscoring the urgency for scientific assessment and international cooperation. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) serves as a critical authority in monitoring global climate and promoting actions to mitigate the effects of climate change. Their annual reports document temperature trends and associated weather phenomena, providing essential data for policymakers and international bodies.
In summary, the World Meteorological Organization’s announcement regarding the forecast for 2024 as the hottest year on record highlights the ongoing crisis of climate change fueled by human activity. The findings illustrate the growing urgency for global cooperation and proactive measures to mitigate extreme heat risks and adapt to climate impacts. As these environmental challenges escalate, the role of international organizations remains pivotal in steering collective action to safeguard communities and ecosystems worldwide.
Original Source: www.wam.ae
