The year 2024 has been confirmed as the warmest year globally since records began in 1850, underlining an urgent call for decisive global action against climate change, according to the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).
In a press release issued on Friday, the European climate body reported that 2024 marks the first calendar year in which the average global temperature exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels—a critical threshold set by the Paris Agreement aimed at limiting global warming and mitigating the most severe impacts of climate change.
The unprecedented temperatures recorded in 2024 serve as a stark reminder of the accelerating pace of climate change. Surpassing the 1.5°C limit underscores the urgent need for nations around the world to intensify efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Exceeding this threshold could lead to more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and irreversible impacts on ecosystems and biodiversity. The record-breaking temperatures in 2024 have already been associated with extreme weather phenomena across Asia and the globe, including heatwaves, droughts, and flooding.
Countries in Asia, home to some of the world’s most populous nations and fastest-growing economies, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Communities across the continent are experiencing firsthand the consequences of rising temperatures, from diminishing water resources in Central Asia to intensified monsoon rains in South Asia and sea-level rise threatening coastal cities.
The 2024 milestone amplifies calls from scientists and environmental groups for immediate and coordinated international action. Key steps include transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing sustainable agriculture practices, and enhancing climate resilience through infrastructure and policy measures.
With the confirmation of 2024 as the warmest year on record, the urgency for global leaders to act has never been greater. Upcoming international climate conferences will play a pivotal role in shaping policies and commitments to address this pressing global challenge.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
