dw.com
2024: The Hottest Year on Record
A report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reveals that 2024 is on track to be the warmest year on record, with temperatures exceeding the critical 1.5-degree Celsius threshold. The report highlights the urgent need for emissions reduction and climate adaptation strategies.
Romanian
Germany
Climate ChangeScienceEnergy SecurityEnvironmentClimateWeatherGlobal
World Meteorological Organization (Omm)United Nations (Un)Cop29
Celeste SauloAntónio Guterres
- What does exceeding the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold mean?
- Exceeding the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold signifies surpassing a critical limit where the planet enters a higher-risk climate zone, potentially triggering a chain reaction of intensified global warming and irreversible damage.
- What are the primary drivers of the increase in global temperatures?
- The increase in global temperatures is primarily driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions, particularly CO2. The continuous warming of oceans, which absorb a significant portion of excess heat, is a key indicator of this problem, with irreversible effects projected for centuries to come.
- What urgent actions are needed to address the ongoing climate crisis?
- Urgent action is needed on two fronts: drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing strategies to adapt to the changing climate. Improving early warning systems for extreme weather events and investing in climate resilience are crucial to mitigating the impacts of global warming.
- What are the consequences of exceeding the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold?
- The consequences of exceeding the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold include more frequent and severe extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, droughts, and wildfires; accelerated glacier melt and rising sea levels; and threats to food security, water access, and human health.
- What is the significance of temporarily exceeding the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold in 2024?
- While 2024 temporarily surpassed the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold, the long-term trend remains below this critical level. The current level is approximately 1.3 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, indicating that while concerning, the Paris Agreement goal is still technically within reach.