The year 2024 has been confirmed as the warmest year globally since records began in 1850, according to the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). This alarming milestone underscores the urgency for decisive global action against climate change.
Notably, 2024 also marks the first calendar year in which the average global temperature exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This is a critical threshold set by the Paris Agreement—a global pact aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change.
“The surpassing of the 1.5°C threshold is a stark reminder of the accelerating pace of climate change,” a spokesperson for C3S stated in a press release on Friday. “Immediate and coordinated efforts are essential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevent the most severe consequences of global warming.”
The unprecedented rise in temperatures has widespread implications, particularly for Asia—a region already experiencing significant climate-related challenges. From intensified heatwaves in South Asia to rising sea levels affecting coastal communities, the effects of global warming threaten human health, food security, and economic stability.
Business professionals and investors are increasingly recognizing the risks associated with climate change. Sustainable practices and investments in green technology are becoming integral to economic strategies across the continent.
Academics and researchers emphasize the need for immediate action. “We are at a tipping point,” noted climate scientists. “Without urgent measures, the environmental and social costs will be irreversible.”
The data from C3S serves as a critical call to action for governments, industries, and individuals worldwide. As the global community confronts this reality, collaborative efforts are essential to chart a sustainable path forward.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
