In 2024, the UN’s WMO reported over 150 unprecedented climate disasters, marking it as the hottest year on record, leading to significant displacement and destruction. Heatwaves and storms affected numerous regions globally, while experts urged immediate action against rising emissions and the necessity for enhanced climate resilience efforts.
In 2024, the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported over 150 unprecedented climate disasters, marking it as the hottest year on record. The extreme weather events caused significant loss of life, destruction of infrastructure, and displacement of over 800,000 individuals, a record high since 2008. These climate crises included severe heatwaves, flooding, and intense storms that devastated numerous regions worldwide.
Heatwaves in Japan resulted in hundreds of thousands of heatstroke incidents, while record temperatures were observed in various locations, including a peak of 49.9°C in Western Australia. Additionally, Italy experienced catastrophic floods and landslides due to unprecedented rainfall, while Senegal suffered extensive property damage from torrential downpours. Elsewhere, flash flooding in Pakistan and Brazil led to substantial agricultural losses, exacerbating the crisis.
The year also witnessed an unprecedented series of storms, with six typhoons striking the Philippines in under a month. Hurricane Helene became the strongest hurricane recorded in Florida’s Big Bend region. Super Typhoon Yagi inflicted damage on 3.6 million people in Vietnam. These occurrences highlight a growing trend of extreme weather events yet to be fully documented.
The WMO’s report emphasized the urgency of addressing the escalating climate crisis, noting that the ten hottest years on record have all transpired within the last decade. Despite this, global carbon emissions continue to rise, indicating dire future consequences. There are rising concerns among experts regarding former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, especially concerning the removal of critical climate science resources.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged world leaders to harness renewable energy and develop new national climate plans. Experts like Dr. Luke Parsons from the Nature Conservancy acknowledged the unprecedented nature of 2024’s climate conditions and projected that the forthcoming decade would likely be even hotter.
Previous studies indicate that climate change has markedly intensified at least 550 extreme events. Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel from the Union of Concerned Scientists criticized the Trump administration’s efforts to obscure climate science, emphasizing the need for urgency in addressing climate impacts.
Prof. Stefan Rahmstorf of the Potsdam Institute reiterated the continuous trend of global warming and stressed the necessity of a swift transition away from fossil fuels to mitigate further damage. He noted the influence of disinformation campaigns from the fossil fuel sector, warning this would harm ordinary citizens.
Dr. Davide Faranda highlighted that even minor temperature increases can significantly exacerbate climate impacts in the future. WMO Secretary-General Prof. Celeste Saulo described the report as a crucial reminder of the rising risks associated with climate change and emphasized the importance of investment in early warning systems and climate services, as only half of the countries currently possess adequate measures.
In summary, the year 2024 has seen a record of climate disasters driven by unprecedented weather patterns linked to global warming. The rising temperatures and extreme weather events underscore the urgency for global leaders to take decisive action towards climate resilience. Failure to address the escalating climate crisis may lead to dire consequences for both ecosystems and human populations. The report from the WMO serves as a crucial catalyst for immediate change and investment in preventive measures to safeguard the future.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
