His last report World meteorological organization (WMO) for the climate shows that temperatures across the globe continue to grow. What exactly does this mean? Last year it was the warmest recorded and the latest report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) shows that “clear climate change climate change came to a new climax in 2024”. This broke the previous temperature record from 2023. In the last 12 months, the worldwide average temperature was 1.55 degrees Celsius higher than the temperature between 1850 and 1900, when people began to burn fossil fuels, such as carbon and oil, on an industrial scale.

Based on the Paris climate agreement, governments are committed to limiting global warming well below 2 ° C above pre -industrial levels and, if possible, to keep it below 1.5 ° C. Because average temperatures have been measured in decades and not in individual years, the results of the new WMO exposure on the climate do not mean that the target of Paris has been lost. But we are close to happening.

A wake -up call

According to the report, long -term global warming is currently between 1.34 ° C and 1.41 ° C above pre -industrial levels. The latest measurements show that the concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2), the greenhouse gas, is higher than at any time in the last two million years. CO2 is released by the burning of fossil fuels we use to supply the industry, heat our homes and operate our cars.

WMO Secretary General, Selest Saulo, described the report “Awakening Call, as we increase the risks to our lives, our economy and our planet” Added that extreme weather events still have ‘catastrophic consequences all over the world“, Because only half of all countries currently have adequate early warning systems for the protection of lives and property. “This has to change“Saulo warned, while stressing the need for investment in weather, water and climate services.

In a separate study of the relationship between extreme weather and climate change, the World Weather Attribution (WWA) scientific initiative published in the United Kingdom published its findings in late 2024. People and the displacement of millions. “

Nearly 200 other events of extreme floods, drought or thunderstorms were not recorded in the study. As a result, the researchers concluded that the actual number of deaths may be “tens or hundreds of thousands”.

How fossil fuels affect the oceans

The WMO report is based on scientific data from national meteorological and hydrological services, WMO regional climate centers, UN partners and other experts. According to the report, the change from a cold weather standard La Nina to a warmer El Niño was also a factor that contributed to the 2024 record. However, the authors stressed that elevated air temperatures are only part of a broader image.

90% of excess atmospheric heat is absorbed by the oceans. Thus, in 2024 the strongest increase in ocean temperature in the last 65 years has occurred. According to the report, the rate of rising ocean temperatures between 2005 and 2024 was more than twice the period between 1960 and 2005.

Such an increase in temperature affects marine ecosystems, leading to a decrease in biodiversity and a decrease in the ability of the oceans to absorb carbon. Similarly, the increase in ocean temperature is associated with tropical thunderstorms and increased acidification, which in turn affects marine habitats and therefore the fishing industry.

Because warmer water expands and requires more space, this is also a factor in rising sea levels, which, according to the report, has “chainly harmful effects on coastal ecosystems and infrastructure”. The rise in sea levels can also lead to flood damage and groundwater infection with salt from the sea.

“Our planet is broadcasting more and more danger signals,” UN Secretary -General Antonio Guterres said in a statement. “But this report shows that the limitation of the long -term increase in world temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius is still feasible.”

It is up to the heads of state and governments to “realize the benefits of cheap, pure renewable energy for their peoples and economies”.

Are Renewable Sources a priority?

Even in the US, where climate protection regulations are abolished under President Donald Trump in favor of increased fossil fuel support, the solar energy industry continues to grow. More solar panels and battery storage systems were installed last year, which means that the sun can now meet more than 7 % of the country’s electricity needs.

Francesco La Camera, Director General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), said in relation to an analysis published last fall that the cost of clean energy has been so reduced that “the price of renewable energy is no longer an excuse”.

Despite the constant potential of transition to renewable energy, scientists point out that much greater and faster expansion and additional removal of CO2 from the atmosphere is required. This is the only way to keep global warming below the 1.5 ° C limit.
Curated by: Costas Argyros