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2024: Record Temperatures and Urgent Climate Action
The world faces a worsening climate crisis, with 2024 projected to surpass 2023's record temperatures, exceeding the critical 1.5-degree Celsius threshold. Urgent action is needed to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change impacts.
Ukrainian
Germany
Climate ChangeEnergy SecurityClimateCrisisWeatherEmissionsTemperature
World Meteorological Organization (Wmo)United Nations (Un)Cop21Cop29
António GuterresCeleste Saulo
- How are rising ocean temperatures impacting the planet?
- The continuous rise in global ocean temperatures, reaching a record high in 2023 and continuing to increase in 2024, is irreversible and will have long-term consequences for generations to come. This warming is inextricably linked to the absorption of excess heat from global warming.
- What role do greenhouse gas emissions play in rising global temperatures?
- Record-high greenhouse gas emissions in 2023 are projected to continue into 2024, driving up global temperatures. The increase in atmospheric CO2 by 51% since 1750 is a primary contributor to this warming trend.
- How are climate change-induced extreme weather events affecting the world?
- Climate change is intensifying extreme weather events globally, leading to devastating consequences including heat waves, floods, wildfires, and droughts. These events threaten food security, water availability, and human health, exacerbating inequality and displacement.
- What is the significance of glacier melting and its contribution to sea levels?
- The accelerating melting of glaciers in 2023, resulting in a record loss of ice, contributes to rising sea levels. This increased rate of sea level rise, more than double that observed from 1993 to 2002, poses a significant threat to coastal communities.
- What are the implications of exceeding the 1.5-degree Celsius temperature threshold?
- The exceeding of the 1.5-degree Celsius temperature threshold signifies entering a dangerous phase with self-amplifying phenomena leading to rapid warming and irreversible climate catastrophe, threatening life on Earth.