2024 Set to Be Hottest Year on Record, EU Scientists Warn

According to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2024 will likely become the hottest year on record, surpassing 2023, driven by climate change. Unless there are significant cooling anomalies, this year will also mark the first time average global temperatures exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius since the pre-industrial era. Extreme weather events highlight the urgent need for global action ahead of the COP29 summit.

The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) announced that 2024 is set to become the hottest year on record, surpassing 2023. The report is pertinent as it precedes the upcoming U.N. COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, where nations aim to secure increased funding to combat climate change. According to C3S, the average global temperature from January to October has risen dramatically, leaving little doubt that 2024 will set a new record unless there are substantial cooling anomalies. The primary driver of this unprecedented rise in temperature is climate change, as stated by C3S Director Carlo Buontempo. Buontempo highlighted that warming is a global phenomenon, evident across all continents and ocean basins, ensuring that record temperatures will continue to be observed. Moreover, 2024 will mark a significant milestone: the first time that average global temperatures exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius relative to pre-industrial levels (1850-1900). This increase is primarily attributed to carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion. Climate scientist Sonia Seneviratne emphasized the urgency for governments at COP29 to take decisive action against fossil fuel dependency, noting that the objectives set forth in the Paris Agreement are becoming increasingly unattainable due to the slow progress in climate action globally. She expressed concern regarding the evolving climate targets, forecasting that the world could breach the critical 1.5-degree threshold around 2030. The repercussions of rising global temperatures are already evident, with recent extreme weather events claiming lives and disrupting economies worldwide. Reports of fatal flash floods in Spain, widespread wildfires in Peru, and destructive flooding in Bangladesh that impacted rice production highlight the urgency for effective climate measures. C3S maintains a comprehensive temperature record dating back to 1940, supported by historical data since 1850, providing a solid framework for understanding these alarming trends.

The report by the Copernicus Climate Change Service serves as a critical reminder of the realities of climate change. As global average temperatures continue to rise, understanding the implications is vital for policymakers and the broader public. The impending U.N. COP29 summit serves as a pivotal moment for nations to unite in their commitment to mitigating climate change effects. Historical records of climate data allow scientists to analyze trends and provide projections about future climate behavior, reinforcing the need for immediate action against fossil fuel dependencies.

In summary, the Copernicus Climate Change Service has confirmed that 2024 is poised to be the hottest year on record, primarily due to ongoing climate change driven by human activities. The increase in global temperatures has significant implications for weather patterns and food security, necessitating urgent action from governments worldwide. As nations prepare for COP29, the message is clear: immediate and decisive measures are essential to combat climate change and uphold international climate commitments.

Original Source: www.swissinfo.ch