In 2024, the United Nations has reported that climate change has led to extreme weather and record-breaking heat, with global temperatures expected to reach new highs. The World Meteorological Organization confirmed that greenhouse gas emissions have escalated, intensifying the climate crisis. UN secretary general Antonio Guterres urged countries to act swiftly to reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy to avert further disaster.
The year 2024 is projected to be the hottest on record, marking a decade characterized by extraordinary temperatures and severe weather events, according to the United Nations. The World Meteorological Organization reported that greenhouse gas emissions have escalated to new heights, further locking in future warming. WMO secretary general Celeste Saulo emphasized the daily manifestations of climate change through increased occurrences of extreme weather, including destructive flooding, tropical cyclones, and relentless heat waves. In several regions, temperatures soared to over 50 degrees Celsius, leading to unprecedented wildfires and devastating losses across many communities.
The United Nations highlighted the urgent need for global action as the effects of climate change become more apparent. The 2015 Paris Agreement, which seeks to limit global warming, faces significant challenges as the average surface air temperature from January to September in 2024 was already 1.54 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This trajectory suggests 2024 will surpass the already alarming temperatures recorded in 2023. The WMO is expected to release a definitive global temperature figure for 2024 in the upcoming months.
In his New Year message, UN secretary general Antonio Guterres acknowledged the persistent rise in temperature, declaring the last decade as having experienced unprecedented heat. He conveyed a sense of urgency for nations to act decisively to reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. Guterres stated, “We must exit this road to ruin — and we have no time to lose.” He emphasized that countries must commit to significantly diminishing emissions in 2025 to ensure a sustainable future.
As the climate crisis intensifies, the implications for human safety, health, and the natural environment become increasingly severe. This highlights the critical need for immediate and coordinated international efforts to combat climate change and its devastating effects. The urgency now lies in implementing strategies that support the Paris climate accord and foster the transition towards a more sustainable infrastructure for future generations.
Climate change has increasingly manifested through extreme weather events and record-high temperatures. The United Nations and other organizations are urgently calling attention to the significant rise in greenhouse gas emissions, which exacerbate global warming. The overarching aim remains to adhere to the targets set by the 2015 Paris Agreement, aiming to restrict temperature rises to below 2 degrees Celsius. Yet, the evidence indicates that the world is not on track to meet these objectives, leading to widespread calls for immediate action.
In conclusion, the alarming projections for 2024 highlight the urgent need for global leaders to address climate change. The evidence of record temperatures and extreme weather underscores the critical situation humanity faces. Immediate action to curb emissions and transition to renewable energy is not just necessary, but imperative for a sustainable future. Failure to act decisively endangers not only the environment but human health and safety on a global scale.
Original Source: www.bangkokpost.com
