 "Past 10 years also the hottest 10 since record-keeping began: UN weather agency")
Earth is getting warmer and the year 2024 was a testament to that after the planet recorded its hottest year ever averaging approximately 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels. World Meteorological Organisation’s (WMO) State of the Global Climate 2024 report shows that the past decade was individually the ten warmest years on record.
“The year 2024 was the warmest year in the 175-year observational record. The previous warmest year was 2023 with an anomaly of 1.45 °C ± 0.12 °C,” the WMO report published on Wednesday said.
A powerful El Niño, which peaked early in 2024, contributed to the rise in global temperatures in 2024. However, temperatures had already reached record highs in 2023. From June 2023 to December 2024, every month’s global average temperature surpassed all previous records set before 2023.
Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels peak
The latest WMO report revealed that atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have reached their highest point in 800,000 years. On a global scale, each of the last ten years ranks among the ten hottest on record.
Over the past eight years, ocean heat content has continuously set new records. The Arctic has seen its 18 lowest sea ice extents within the last 18 years, while the Antarctic recorded its three lowest ice extents in the past three years.
While a small number of regions saw temperatures fall, extreme weather wreaked havoc across the globe, with droughts causing food shortages and floods and wildfires forcing the displacement of 800,000 people, the highest since records began in 2008.
Paris agreement still within reach
Although the reality of climate change looks grim, Guterres expressed optimism over the goals set by the Paris Agreement. He said that since a single year above 1.5°C does not violate the clauses of the agreement, its objectives are still within reach.
“Our planet is issuing more distress signals – but this report shows that limiting long-term global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius is still possible. Leaders must step up to make it happen – seizing the benefits of cheap, clean renewables for their people and economies - - with new National climate plans due this year,” he said.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsWith inputs from agencies
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
