In a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis, 2024 has emerged as the hottest year on record, pushing global temperatures to unprecedented heights. This alarming trend raises critical questions about the feasibility of meeting the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting the temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has declared the period from 2015 to 2024 as the hottest decade ever recorded. This decade-long surge in temperatures underscores the urgent need for collective action to combat global warming.
Several nations have experienced extraordinary heatwaves this year. The Philippines saw temperatures soar to 50 degrees Celsius before May, leading to the closure of thousands of schools. In June, Mexico matched its all-time high at 52 degrees Celsius, while Egypt recorded a national peak of 50.9 degrees Celsius. Other countries, including Chad, Ghana, and Laos, also faced unprecedented heat levels, highlighting the widespread impact of rising temperatures.
On July 22, data from the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) revealed that the global average surface air temperature reached a staggering 17.15 degrees Celsius, marking the hottest single day in recorded history. This milestone not only breaks previous records but also serves as a stark indicator of the planet's rapidly changing climate.
The Impact of Extreme Weather
The intensification of global warming has led to a significant increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. In 2024, the world witnessed a marked rise in floods, droughts, and wildfires, causing devastating consequences for communities and ecosystems alike. These extreme conditions disrupt lives, economies, and the natural environment, emphasizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions and resilient infrastructure.
As the world grapples with these challenges, the imperative to accelerate climate action becomes ever more critical. Achieving the 1.5°C target requires concerted efforts from governments, businesses, and individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy, and promote sustainable practices globally.
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Temperature breaks records in 2024: Are we at the threshold of 1.5?
cgtn.com
