The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has reported that 2024 was the hottest year on record, marking a significant milestone as it is the first full year in which global temperatures exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
This alarming trend indicates that average global temperatures have reached levels never experienced by modern humans, with 2024 recording an average temperature of 1.6 degrees Celsius higher than the baseline period of 1850-1900.
Every month of 2024 has set new temperature records, with each being either the hottest or second-hottest for that particular month since record-keeping began. This consistent pattern of extreme heat serves as a stark reminder of the escalating climate crisis driven by greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion.
The C3S report highlights that the rise in temperatures is not merely a statistical anomaly; it reflects a broader trend of severe climate impacts, including intensified weather events and natural disasters across various regions. While experts do not anticipate another record-breaking year in 2025, they warn that it is likely to remain among the top three warmest years recorded, emphasizing the urgent need for global action to mitigate climate change.
The breach of the critical 1.5°C threshold serves as a wake-up call for nations worldwide, signaling that immediate and substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are essential to prevent further increases in global temperatures. As climate-related challenges continue to mount, the urgency for effective policies and sustainable practices has never been clearer.