World Meteorological Organisation Reports 2024 Will Be The Warmest Year On Record Amid Climate Change Concerns

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) predicts 2024 will be the hottest year on record, concluding a decade of intense heat driven by human activities. Greenhouse gas levels are reaching unprecedented highs, trapping more heat for the future. The WMO plans to release the global temperature data for 2024 in January and a comprehensive climate report in March 2025.

"Every fraction of a degree of warming matters, and increases climate extremes, impacts and risks," WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said. "Temperatures are only part of the picture. Climate change plays out before our eyes on an almost daily basis in the form of increased occurrence and impact of extreme weather events."

This year witnessed severe rainfall and flooding across many countries, leading to significant loss of life and affecting communities worldwide. Tropical cyclones have caused substantial human and economic damage, notably in Mayotte, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean. Several countries experienced intense heatwaves with temperatures exceeding 50°C, while wildfires caused widespread destruction.

The WMO emphasises the importance of initiatives like "Early Warnings for All," which supports climate service development to aid adaptation efforts. On mitigation, they are implementing the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch initiative and collaborating with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and COP.

In 2025, attention will shift to the cryosphere—the Earth's frozen regions such as sea ice and glaciers—during the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation led by UNESCO and WMO. This focus aims to address the critical role these areas play in global climate regulation.

A recent report by World Weather Attribution and Climate Central reveals that climate change intensified 26 out of 29 studied weather events, resulting in over 3,700 deaths and displacing millions. The report also noted that climate change added 41 days of dangerous heat in 2024, impacting human health and ecosystems.

International Cooperation Against Extreme Heat

As global temperatures rise, extreme heat events are becoming more frequent and severe. This underscores the need for enhanced international cooperation to manage extreme heat risks effectively. In response to this growing threat, experts from various international organisations convened at WMO headquarters from December 17-19 to develop a coordinated framework addressing extreme heat challenges.

This gathering was part of efforts responding to the UN Secretary-General's Call to Action on extreme heat. It included representatives from 15 international organisations, 12 countries, along with academic and NGO partners working together towards solutions.

The urgency for collaborative action is clear as climate change continues to exacerbate weather extremes globally. Initiatives focusing on early warnings and greenhouse gas monitoring are vital steps toward mitigating these impacts while fostering resilience against future challenges.

With inputs from WAM