WMO reports record temperatures and climate impacts in 2024

In 2024, planet Earth experienced severe weather and climate changes, according to a new report from the United Nations World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The report highlights that human actions have pushed climate change to alarming levels. Last year was the warmest in recorded history, with average global temperatures exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. The average surface temperature reached 1.55 degrees above the 1850-1900 average. While the report emphasizes that staying within the 1.5-degree limit set by the Paris Agreement is still achievable, it warns that carbon dioxide levels are the highest in 800,000 years. The past decade has seen every year rank among the ten warmest on record, with significant increases in ocean heat content as well. The data shows a significant loss in ice levels in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, with all 18 of the lowest sea-ice extents found in the last 18 years. Additionally, glaciers are melting at an unprecedented rate, causing sea levels to rise faster than before. WMO officials continue to stress that the impacts of climate change are accelerating, affecting ecosystems and human lives worldwide. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged world leaders to take immediate action to curb climate change and invest in renewable energy. He noted the importance of new national climate plans due this year. Despite the pressing challenges, the report suggests it’s not too late to reverse some of the damage. However, it is a call to action to boost resilience against extreme weather, which has led to increased displacement and food crises globally. The WMO plans to enhance early warning systems for climate-related events and improve community resilience. Professor Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General, remarked that even small increases in temperature pose significant risks to society. Strengthening investments in weather and climate services is essential to prepare for future challenges.