Record High Global Temperatures in 2024 Signal Urgent Climate Action Needed

In 2024, global temperatures rose 1.6 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels, marking the hottest year on record. The Copernicus Climate Change Service reported significant increases in natural disasters correlating with climate change, urging immediate action to tackle greenhouse gas emissions. Key highlights include record temperature peaks and the alarming potential for worsening climate crises worldwide.

In 2024, the Earth reached a record 1.6 degrees Celsius rise in global temperatures above preindustrial levels, marking it as the hottest year since temperature recordings began in 1850. This alarming milestone occurs just as global leaders are urged to limit warming to within 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. As revealed by the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, the annual report reported an average global temperature of 15.10 degrees Celsius (59.18 degrees Fahrenheit). In addition to these rising temperatures, Los Angeles faced devastating wildfires, emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change.

The Copernicus report highlights a disturbing trend, where every year from 2015 to 2024 has been among the ten warmest on record. The year peaked with a daily record temperature of 17.16 degrees Celsius (62.89 degrees Fahrenheit) on July 22, 2024. Notably, all continental regions except Antarctica and Australasia experienced their warmest years, illustrating the widespread impact of climate change. The report also pointed out that increased carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion and heightened energy demands from technologies such as artificial intelligence exacerbate the climate crisis, making the shift away from fossil fuels more challenging.

Climate change is a significant global challenge, exacerbated by anthropogenic emissions, particularly from burning fossil fuels. In light of the Paris Agreement, nations have committed to limiting temperature rises to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with an aspirational goal of 1.5 degrees Celsius. The Copernicus Climate Change Service monitors and assesses climate-related data rigorously, providing vital insights into the trends and anomalies occurring within Earth’s climate system. Historical global temp records indicate a concerning upward trend linked to human activity and natural climate variability.

The data presented in the 2024 report by Copernicus underscores the urgent reality of climate change, with record-breaking temperatures and frequent natural disasters indicating an impending crisis. The global temperatures have surpassed critical thresholds, amplifying the call for immediate action. As the world grapples with the consequences of rising temperatures, there is an imperative for scientists, policymakers, and the global community to prioritize climate action and actively pursue strategies that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The fact that nearly every year over the last decade ranks among the hottest in recorded history calls for unprecedented vigilance and collective effort to address the climate emergency.

Original Source: www.cnet.com