Context:
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report indicates that 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record, concluding a decade of unprecedented heat driven by human activities.
More on the News
- The WMO’s When Risks Become Reality: Extreme Weather report reveals that climate change caused 41 extra days of extreme heat in 2024, putting human health and ecosystems at serious risk.
- The WMO will release the consolidated global temperature data for 2024 in January and a detailed State of the Global Climate 2024 report in March 2025.
- A report by the Centre for Science and Environment and Down To Earth found that climate change-related extreme weather events were more frequent and severe in India in 2024 than in the previous two years.
- The United Nations has declared 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation and, starting from 2025, March 21 is recognized as the World Day of Glaciers.
Key Highlights of the Report
Record-Breaking Extreme Weather: Extreme weather reached dangerous new levels in 2024, with record-breaking temperatures fueling heatwaves, droughts, wildfires, storms, and floods that caused thousands of deaths and forced millions from their homes.
- This year highlights the dangers of 1.3°C of human-induced warming and the urgent need to shift away from fossil fuels to protect the planet.
Climate Change Impact: Climate change was linked to the deaths of at least 3,700 people and the displacement of millions in 26 major weather events in 2024.
- These events are just a small part of the 219 extreme events observed, with the total death toll likely in the tens or hundreds of thousands.
El Niño vs. Climate Change: While El Niño influenced many extreme events in early 2024, studies found that climate change played a bigger role, especially in the historic Amazon drought.
- As the planet warms, climate change increasingly overrides other natural factors affecting the weather.
Flooding Due to Climate Change: Record global temperatures in 2024 led to record-breaking downpours and devastating floods in areas like Kathmandu, Dubai, and Rio Grande do Sul.
- Of the 16 floods studied, 15 were driven by climate change-amplified rainfall, highlighting the need for better early warnings and stronger flood defenses.
Impact on Ecosystems: The Amazon rainforest and Pantanal Wetland suffered severe droughts and wildfires in 2024, causing massive biodiversity loss.
- Protecting these ecosystems by ending deforestation is crucial, as healthy vegetation helps absorb and retain moisture, protecting them from droughts and fires.
Stronger Storms: Hot seas and warmer air fueled more destructive storms like Hurricane Helene and Typhoon Gaemi, with studies showing stronger winds and more rainfall.
- Research by Climate Central found that climate change increased hurricane intensity, and the risk of multiple Category 3-5 typhoons hitting the Philippines is rising as the climate warms.
Resolutions for 2025
- Faster Shift from Fossil Fuels: Burning oil, gas, and coal drives global warming and exacerbates extreme weather, yet new fossil fuel projects persist despite COP28’s warnings of exceeding 1.5°C. A swift transition to renewable energy is crucial for a safer, healthier, and more stable world.
- Improvements in Early Warning Systems: Early warning systems are crucial for reducing fatalities from weather disasters, providing targeted alerts and clear instructions days ahead of dangerous events. Every country must implement, test, and improve these systems to protect people from harm.
- Real-Time Reporting of Heat Deaths: Heatwaves are the deadliest extreme weather, yet the dangers are often underreported. Real-time reports alert the public to the deadly effects of extreme heat and encourage timely action.
- Finance for Developing Countries: COP29 emphasized increasing financial support for developing nations hit hardest by extreme weather, despite their minimal contribution to carbon emissions. Providing funds for adaptation will protect lives, preserve development, and foster global stability.