In 2024, global average temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time, signifying a critical climate milestone. The effects of extreme weather, exacerbated by human actions and El Niño, have intensified, particularly in Europe and Asia. Urgent measures are necessary to reduce emissions and adapt to climate extremes, as every increment in temperature increases the risk of irreversible damage.
In 2024, the world reached a significant and concerning temperature milestone, with global averages now over 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as reported by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. This increase signals intensified climate change effects, driven primarily by a potent El Niño event and human activities. The resulting extreme weather phenomena, including severe heatwaves and wildfires, particularly impacted Europe and Asia, with July 10 witnessing 44% of the planet facing extreme heat stress. This alarming scenario also contributed to catastrophic flooding in regions such as Valencia, Spain, fueled by increased atmospheric moisture. Scientists are cautioning that every incremental rise in temperature risks irreversible damage, especially regarding ice sheet stability. Thus, immediate measures are imperative to reduce emissions and adapt to the escalating climate crisis.
The significance of the 1.5°C threshold lies within the framework of the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the global temperature increase to well below this level to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. The Copernicus Climate Change Service serves as the European Union’s authoritative source, tracking global temperatures and climate trends, thereby providing critical insights necessary for understanding the evolving climate conditions. The role of human activity, particularly fossil fuel burning, remains pivotal in influencing temperature rises, necessitating a move towards sustainable practices and urgent political action to combat climate change.
The surpassing of the 1.5°C mark in 2024 highlights the urgent need for collective global action against climate change. With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe, the necessity for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions is paramount. This milestone serves as a crucial reminder that every fraction of a degree in temperature rise holds significant implications for the planet’s ecological stability, necessitating immediate and sustained efforts to address this global crisis.
Original Source: www.africa.com
