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

European Union scientists have determined that 2024 will be the hottest year on record, with global temperatures expected to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, marking alarming trends in climate change. Extreme weather phenomena have intensified globally, raising concerns about the effectiveness of climate agreements and the rising carbon emissions despite pledges to achieve net-zero emissions.

European Union (EU) scientists have announced that 2024 is on track to be the warmest year on record globally, with unusually high temperatures anticipated to extend into the early months of 2025. This conclusion arises from data collected by the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). Following recent UN climate negotiations which reached a $300 billion agreement to address climate change, concerns persist regarding the adequacy of funding for affected countries.

The findings indicate that from January to November of 2024, global average temperatures are projected to surpass 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial baseline of 1850-1900. The previous record holder for hottest year was 2023. Extreme weather events have characterized 2024, including severe droughts across Italy and South America, fatal floods affecting regions such as Nepal, Sudan, and Europe, along with heatwaves and destructive cyclones, leading to substantial human casualties and losses.

Human activity has been linked to these climatic anomalies, underscoring the impact of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel combustion. Although many governments have pledged to achieve net-zero emissions, global CO2 emissions are expected to reach unprecedented levels this year. The scientific community continues to observe the potential development of a La Nina weather pattern in 2025, which could temporarily reduce global temperatures, yet would not counteract the overarching trend of warming driven by emissions.

While 2025 may exhibit slightly cooler conditions, experts caution that extreme weather patterns will persist. As expressed by Friederike Otto, a senior lecturer at Imperial College London, even if cooler temperatures result from La Nina, they will not signify a return to ‘safe’ or ‘normal’ conditions, as the risk of hazardous weather events remains high.

The alarming predictions regarding climate changes reflect the growing urgency to address the implications of global warming, particularly as the world grapples with its consequences. The 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold is a critical point established under international climate agreements, signifying a severe risk to global ecosystems and human livelihoods. The pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is mounting in light of repeated extreme weather occurrences, underscoring the presence of anthropogenic influences on climate variability. Furthermore, the scientific data provided by organizations such as C3S enhances our understanding of climate patterns, ultimately guiding policy initiatives.

The scientific consensus indicates that 2024 will surpass previous heat records, emphasizing the critical need for effective climate change mitigation strategies. Current trends reveal that despite international commitments to curb emissions, levels of carbon dioxide continue to rise. As extreme weather events exert worsening impacts around the globe, the urgency for comprehensive climate action remains paramount. Monitoring future climatic developments, such as potential La Nina occurrences, will be crucial in comprehending ongoing temperature fluctuations and associated risks.

Original Source: www.bangkokpost.com