The UN has reported that 2024 will be the warmest year recorded, with climate change causing extreme weather events globally. Greenhouse gas emissions are at unprecedented levels, raising alarms about future temperature increases. Secretary-General Guterres highlighted the need for immediate action to reduce emissions and shift towards renewable energy to avoid catastrophic climate outcomes.
The United Nations has issued a stark warning regarding climate change, stating that 2024 has experienced unprecedented extreme weather and record-high temperatures globally. As per the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), emissions of greenhouse gases have reached historic peaks, further exacerbating climate issues. WMO secretary-general Celeste Saulo noted that this year highlighted frequent extreme weather events, including devastating rainfall, flooding, and intense heat waves, inflicting significant human and economic harm worldwide. Notably, tropical cyclones caused severe destruction, particularly in Mayotte.
With the aim of limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius in line with the 2015 Paris climate accords, the WMO reported alarming data indicating that temperatures in 2024 are projected to surpass previous records. The average surface temperature from January to September was recorded at 1.54 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, suggesting a continuation of rising temperatures reflected in the last decade’s data. UN Secretary-general Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the decade witnessed unprecedented heat, calling it “climate breakdown in real time.” He urged immediate action to reduce emissions and transition towards renewable energy sources.
The topic of climate change has garnered significant attention due to its escalating impact on global weather patterns and rising temperatures. Climate experts and organizations, such as the UN and WMO, have been closely monitoring and reporting on these changes over the years. The 2015 Paris Agreement serves as an international framework aimed at combating climate change by limiting global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. However, recent reports indicate a concerning trend in temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions, posing severe risks to ecosystems and human livelihoods.
The escalating climate crisis demands urgent global action as evidenced by the record temperatures and extreme weather events observed in 2024. The increase in greenhouse gas emissions necessitates a transition towards renewable energy sources to mitigate potential threats to humanity and the planet. The statements made by UN officials underline the necessity for immediate and decisive measures to safeguard the future of our environment, emphasizing that the path to a sustainable future is both essential and achievable.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
