Record-breaking heat dominates the past 10 years globally.
Rewritten Article:
The world's most trusted climate source, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), recently published a chilling update on our planet's state, revealing a decade of mind-boggling heat records.
The State of the Global Climate 2024 report paints a grim picture that scientists urge should jolt the world into urgent action. Yet, they caution that the lack of urgency among global leaders so far may mean the message will fall on deaf ears.
The report points to a breathtaking rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide, along with methane and nitrous oxide levels — data dating as far back as 800,000 years.
Here are the report's key findings:
2024 Tops Heat Records
The year 2024 took the title for the warmest year on record, surpassing the previous record held by 2023. In fact, 2024 was the first year to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above the baseline set between 1850 and 1900, according to the WMO.
Scientists emphasize this temperature rise doesn't necessarily suggest we've definitively breached global limits set under the Paris Agreement. However, they warn we're closing in fast. Greenhouse gas emissions, bolstered by a temporary boost from El Niño, largely contributed to this soaring temperature.
Long-term global warming stands at between 1.34 and 1.41 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, the WMO reported.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres maintains it's still possible to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. But, he stresses, "leaders must step up to make it happen."
Record Ocean Heat
As temperatures increase, so does the ocean's heat — as oceans absorb an astonishing 90% of the surplus heat. For eight consecutive years, new heat records have been set, with the rate of ocean warming over the last two decades more than doubling the rate recorded from 1950 to 2005.
Warm water has sparked severe coral reef bleaching, boosted tropical and subtropical storms, and exacerbated sea ice loss.
Escalating Sea-Level Rise
Between 1993 and 2002, the rate of global mean sea-level rise was 2.1 millimeters per year. However, this increase has skyrocketed to 4.7 millimeters per year between 2015 and 2024.
Rising sea levels pose a range of challenges for coastal communities, including flooding, erosion, and salinization of groundwater. They also exacerbate sea ice melt, a problem that shows no sign of slowing down.
Climate Displacements
Climate change wreaked havoc in 2024, causing the greatest number of people to be displaced since 2008. Tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, and other hazards forced millions from their homes.
Tropical cyclones and hurricanes brought havoc with destructive winds, flooding, and severe rain in several regions. Extreme heatwaves scorched territories like Saudi Arabia, where temperatures soared to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit) during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Wildfires and devastating droughts also wrecked havoc on some countries, forcing people to flee and disrupt food supplies. According to the WMO, at least one million more people in eight countries faced acute food insecurity compared to the previous year.
Early-warning systems could have averted some of this chaos, albeit in regions most vulnerable to climate impacts, where advanced notice of disasters is scarce. "Only half of all countries worldwide have adequate early-warning systems. This must change," said Celeste Saulo, WMO secretary-general.
Scientists' Perspectives
Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a professor at the Australian National University's Fenner School of Environment and Society, insists that net-zero emissions are no longer enough. "We need to stop hitting snooze on our alarm," she states, "which is the now regularly occurring record-breaking global temperatures. How much more do we need to scream and shout that climate change is happening? It's because of us, and without serious action, it's only going to get worse. The longer this goes on, the harder it will be to make things better."
Linden Ashcroft, a lecturer in climate science at The University of Melbourne, questions what more can be done. "Honestly, I'm not quite sure what to do next. Scream these findings from the tops of buildings? Write my comments in capitals? Saying all this while dancing on TikTok?" she muses, "Unless we see real climate leadership from governments and businesses, I will save this response and send it through again next year."
- The WMO's report for 2024 reveals that the year 2024 exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above the baseline set between 1850 and 1900, making it the warmest year on record.
- The record heat in the ocean, which absorbs 90% of the surplus heat, has led to severe coral reef bleaching, boosted tropical and subtropical storms, and exacerbated sea ice loss.
- Climate change forced millions of people to flee their homes in 2024, marking the greatest number of people displaced since 2008, with tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, and other hazards being the main culprits.
