COP29: 2024 will be the hottest year ever

2024-11-18 2024-11-18T12:40:28Z

Arab Weather - The World Meteorological Organization announced that 2024 is on track to set a record as the hottest year since temperature records began. This announcement comes after a series of months that witnessed an exceptional rise in average global temperatures, raising concerns about climate change and its accelerating effects.

The organization stressed that its preliminary report on the state of the climate for 2024 is a clear alarm bell about the acceleration of climate change occurring within a short period of time. It explained that this acceleration is reinforced by the continuous rise in the levels of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere, leading to radical changes in the global climate system.

The last ten years: the hottest in history

The organization said that the decade from 2015 to 2024 will be the warmest on record since climate records began. It showed that glaciers are losing mass at an accelerating rate, while sea levels and ocean temperatures continue to rise. Extreme weather events are also causing severe damage to communities and negatively impacting economies around the world.

The role of the El Niño phenomenon in the rise in temperatures in 2024

According to an analysis of six international data sets approved by the organization, the period from January to September 2024 witnessed an increase in the average surface air temperature by 1.54 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. The organization explained that this increase was enhanced by the El Niño phenomenon, which contributes significantly to increasing global warming.

UN Secretary-General warns of climate catastrophe

In a statement by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, he said: *“Climate catastrophe has become a reality that affects public health, increases inequalities, hinders the achievement of sustainable development, and undermines the foundations of peace. Unfortunately, the most vulnerable groups in the world are the most affected.”*

Report released in conjunction with COP29

The World Meteorological Organization report was released on the first day of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, being held in Baku, Azerbaijan. The report highlighted the major challenges facing achieving the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement, especially with regard to limiting temperature rise.

Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, stressed that temporarily exceeding the 1.5°C threshold of monthly and annual warming does not necessarily mean that the goals of the Paris Agreement have been failed. She added that large temperature changes recorded over short periods, such as days or months, are partly due to natural factors such as the El Niño and La Niña phenomena.

Saulo added:

“We need to recognize that any additional temperature increase has a significant impact. Whether warming is less than or more than 1.5 degrees Celsius, every additional fraction of a degree increases the severity of extreme weather events and their severe impacts.”

The Kingdom at #COP29 ... an influential presence that enhances its leading position in the field of renewable energy.

Saudi Arabia at #COP29 : a prominent presence that reinforces its leadership in renewable energy. pic.twitter.com/fLQw3hDdPK

— Ministry of Energy (@MoEnergy_Saudi) November 16, 2024

Extreme Climate Events in 2024: A Harbinger of the Future

Saulo explained that the year 2024 witnessed many extreme weather events, including record-breaking heavy rains and floods, rapidly increasing tropical cyclones, raging forest fires, deadly heat waves, and devastating droughts.

She added:

“Unfortunately, these phenomena represent our new reality and foreshadow what our future could be if we do not act quickly. We urgently need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase support for climate change adaptation, and enhance monitoring and understanding of our climate system through climate information services and initiatives such as Early Warning for All.”