Last decade hottest in recorded history, UN reports

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported that the past ten years have been the hottest decade since record-keeping began. The year 2024 set a new record as the hottest year ever, with average temperatures about 1.6°C higher than pre-industrial levels. The WMO’s 2024 climate report highlights that each of the last ten years ranks among the ten warmest on record. The previous record holder was 2023, which was also exceptionally warm. A significant El Niño event early in 2024 further increased global temperatures, following already high temperatures seen in 2023. The report also reveals alarming trends in carbon dioxide levels. Current levels are the highest they have been in 800,000 years. Ocean heat levels continue to rise, and the Arctic has experienced its lowest sea ice extent in 18 years. The Antarctic recorded its three lowest ice extents in the last three years. Extreme weather events have caused significant disruption worldwide. Droughts have led to food shortages, while floods and wildfires have displaced around 800,000 people, the highest number since tracking began in 2008. Despite these challenges, UN Secretary-General António Guterres remains hopeful. He believes the goals of the Paris Agreement are still achievable. He emphasizes that achieving a long-term temperature rise of no more than 1.5°C is possible, but world leaders must take urgent action. They should focus on adopting clean energy solutions and updating their national climate plans this year.