2024 has been a pivotal year in the context of climate change, marked by significant temperature increases, extreme weather events, and critical international climate agreements. Here’s a roundup of key developments throughout the year:
Temperature Records and Climate Data
- Global Temperature Surge: The global mean surface air temperature from January to September 2024 was reported at 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels, influenced by an ongoing El Niño event. This year is anticipated to be the warmest on record, with temperatures consistently exceeding the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement for the first time in history.
- Ocean Heat: The oceans experienced unprecedented warmth, contributing to extreme weather patterns and affecting marine ecosystems.
- Record Global Temperatures: February 2024 was reported as the hottest February ever recorded globally, with an average temperature of 13.54°C, surpassing the previous record set in 2016 by 0.12°C. This marks the ninth consecutive month of record temperatures, with readings 1.77°C above pre-industrial averages.
1.5°C Warming Threshold
For the twelfth consecutive month, global temperatures were recorded at least 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, indicating a significant and alarming trend in climate change. This has profound implications for ecosystems and human adaptability
Rising CO2 Emissions
Global carbon dioxide emissions reached a historic high of 37.4 billion tonnes in 2023, driven largely by coal usage and exacerbated by droughts affecting hydropower generation. The International Energy Agency noted that emissions increased by 410 million tonnes from the previous year, with significant contributions from China
Extreme Weather Events
- Severe Weather Incidents: The year saw numerous extreme weather events, including Hurricane Milton and devastating floods in Valencia. These events underscored the urgent need for global investment in climate resilience and mitigation strategies.
- Flooding: Flooding in South Asia has affected millions, prompting large-scale rescue operations across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
- Wildfires and Emissions: The Canadian wildfires of June-September 2023 were particularly impactful, releasing carbon emissions that surpassed those of many countries, highlighting the severe consequences of climate change on air quality and global temperatures.
Planetary Boundaries Breached
- Environmental Alarm: A report indicated that seven out of nine planetary boundaries have been breached, signaling critical thresholds for ecosystem stability. This includes alarming declines in wildlife populations and significant changes to natural systems.
International Climate Conferences
- COP29 Outcomes: The COP29 conference focused on climate finance and carbon markets, with nations agreeing to mobilize $300 billion for climate initiatives—though this fell short of the $1 trillion demanded by developing nations. Discussions included establishing a global architecture for carbon markets but did not explicitly address phasing out fossil fuels.
- Triple-COP Year: 2024 was notable for hosting three major climate conferences, emphasizing interconnected issues of climate change, biodiversity, and land management.
Economic Impacts
- Financial Consequences: The economic toll of extreme weather events has been substantial, with projections suggesting that unchecked climate change could lead to a 17% reduction in global GDP. This highlights the importance of investing in sustainable practices and technologies to mitigate future risks.
The cumulative effects of these developments in 2024 illustrate a critical juncture for global climate action, emphasizing both the urgency of addressing climate change and the need for collaborative efforts to secure a sustainable future.