Global warming updates | climate change | Green house gases

In 2024, Earth experienced its hottest year on record, with global temperatures surpassing 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time.

This critical threshold, established by the 2015 Paris Agreement, aims to limit global warming to prevent catastrophic environmental impacts. The breach underscores the accelerating pace of climate change and its profound implications.

Record-Breaking Temperatures and Climate Events

Data from multiple climate monitoring agencies, including NASA and the European Commission’s Copernicus Climate Service, confirm that 2024 was the warmest year since the mid-19th century.

The global average surface temperature increased by approximately 1.6°C, exceeding the Paris Agreement’s target.

This unprecedented warming has intensified extreme weather events worldwide.

In Southern California, a series of wildfires erupted in January 2025, leading to massive evacuations and significant loss of life and property.

These fires were exacerbated by severe drought conditions linked to rising temperatures. Additionally, the Global Water Monitor 2024 report highlighted that record high temperatures led to devastating floods and droughts, resulting in economic losses exceeding $550 billion.

Impact on the Water Cycle and Ecosystems

Global warming is profoundly affecting Earth’s water cycle. The increased temperatures have led to more frequent and intense rainfall, severe droughts, and intensified tropical cyclones. For instance, catastrophic floods in Afghanistan and Pakistan and forest fires in the Amazon have been linked to these climatic extremes. These events disrupt ecosystems, leading to food shortages and impaired hydropower generation.

Scientific Community’s Response

Climate experts emphasize the urgent need for action to mitigate these trends. Dr. Gavin Schmidt of NASA noted the significant warming over just 150 years and its impacts, while Dr. Friederike Otto from Imperial College London highlighted the dangerous reality at 1.5°C warming.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that continued emissions will exacerbate climate impacts, making severe weather patterns more frequent and harmful.

Future Projections and Mitigation Efforts

The persistence of high temperatures and the frequency of extreme weather events indicate that the planet is entering a new era of climate change. The next few years are critical for monitoring and mitigating further warming to avoid severe global impacts. International agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, play a vital role in global efforts to combat climate change. The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, aims to limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. Countries are required to set and update their climate action plans, known as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), to meet these goals.

Conclusion

The events of 2024 serve as a stark reminder of the accelerating pace of global warming and its far-reaching consequences. The breach of the 1.5°C threshold underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and implement sustainable practices. Without immediate and sustained efforts, the impacts of climate change will continue to intensify, posing significant risks to ecosystems, economies, and human health worldwide.