Rising Global Temperatures: A Cause for Concern
The planet witnessed a significant milestone in 2024, marking it as the warmest year on record. Data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) confirmed that the global average temperature reached a scorching 15.10 °C, surpassing the 1991-2020 average. This alarming trend is not just a criticism, but a stark reality that highlights the profound changes our planet is undergoing.
Extreme weather events, such as intense heat waves, prolonged droughts, and catastrophic floods, have become increasingly common due to rising temperatures. The oceans, which absorb most of the excess heat, have also experienced record warming. This has intensified extreme weather phenomena like hurricanes and typhoons, further accelerating global warming.
A Record-Breaking Year with Far-Reaching Consequences
The global average temperature in 2024 exceeded pre-industrial levels by 1.5 °C, a threshold considered critical in the Paris Agreement. This increase is largely attributed to the pronounced growth in ocean temperatures, which reached a historical maximum of 20.87 °C. The thermal anomaly in the oceans has had a significant impact on global climate patterns, intensifying extreme events like marine heat waves, hurricanes, and coral bleaching.
Every month of 2024, except July, exceeded the threshold of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Moreover, every month from January to June last year was warmer than the same months in any other year on record. This trend indicates accelerated global warming, which is cause for concern.
Climate Change: A Threat to Humans and Nature
As a consequence of the climate crisis, the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations, mainly carbon dioxide and methane, is causing unprecedented global warming. In 2024, CO₂ concentrations reached a record level of 422 parts per million (ppm), an increase of 2.9 ppm compared to the previous year.
This increase has led to the most extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, and floods, which have affected millions of people worldwide. The problems are not limited to specific regions, as both Canada and South America, as well as Europe, have been severely impacted. Europe, in particular, witnessed its warmest year on record, with an average temperature of 10.69 °C, 1.47 °C above the 1991-2020 average.
An Uncertain Future: Can We Mitigate the Devastating Effects of Climate Change?
The year 2024 will be remembered for its record-breaking temperatures, and 2025 is unlikely to be different. With the global average temperature exceeding pre-industrial levels by 1.5°C, the impacts of climate change are intensifying. More frequent and intense heat waves pose significant risks to human health, agriculture, and ecosystems.
Extreme weather events are causing economic losses and displacing millions of people. However, there is still hope. Transitioning to a low carbon economy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lead to the development of renewable energy, and improve energy efficiency. By adapting to the impacts of climate change, we can mitigate its devastating effects and create a more sustainable future.