Global Temperatures Surpassed 1.5°C in 2024, Marking Hottest Year on Record
Scientists warn of worsening climate impacts as world edges closer to breaching Paris Agreement targets
The world experienced its hottest year on record in 2024, with global temperatures averaging 1.6 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). This marks the first full year that global temperatures have exceeded the critical 1.5-degree threshold, a limit set by the 2015 Paris Agreement to prevent catastrophic climate impacts. Every month in 2024 ranked as the warmest or second-warmest on record, driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions and an intensifying El Niño weather pattern.
The consequences of this unprecedented heat were severe. Wildfires in California, Bolivia, and Venezuela caused widespread destruction, while devastating floods struck Nepal, Sudan, and Spain. Deadly heatwaves in Mexico and Saudi Arabia claimed thousands of lives. Despite the growing frequency and cost of climate-related disasters, global efforts to curb emissions have stalled in several countries. Scientists emphasize that while the Paris Agreement's long-term temperature goals have not been officially breached, immediate action is necessary to prevent irreversible damage.
Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels soared to 422 parts per million in 2024, the highest ever recorded. Experts warn that without urgent and significant emissions cuts, the world is on course to surpass the Paris climate targets permanently. "It's not a done deal. We have the power to change the trajectory from now on," said C3S Director Carlo Buontempo. Scientists and environmental leaders are urging governments worldwide to strengthen climate policies and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.
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The consequences of this unprecedented heat were severe. Wildfires in California, Bolivia, and Venezuela caused widespread destruction, while devastating floods struck Nepal, Sudan, and Spain. Deadly heatwaves in Mexico and Saudi Arabia claimed thousands of lives. Despite the growing frequency and cost of climate-related disasters, global efforts to curb emissions have stalled in several countries. Scientists emphasize that while the Paris Agreement's long-term temperature goals have not been officially breached, immediate action is necessary to prevent irreversible damage.
Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels soared to 422 parts per million in 2024, the highest ever recorded. Experts warn that without urgent and significant emissions cuts, the world is on course to surpass the Paris climate targets permanently. "It's not a done deal. We have the power to change the trajectory from now on," said C3S Director Carlo Buontempo. Scientists and environmental leaders are urging governments worldwide to strengthen climate policies and accelerate the transition to sustainable energy.
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