According to a new report from the World Metrological Organisation (WMO), the year 2024 is expected to be the hottest year ever. Global temperatures are hitting record levels, and this report was shared at the start of the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29). The report emphasises how important it is to take action now to address the effects of climate change around the world.

The report, titled "State of the Climate 2024," notes that the average global temperature from January to September 2024 was 1.54 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial levels. This surpasses the 1.5-degree target set in the Paris Agreement and shows just how quickly temperatures are rising. The WMO attributes this alarming temperature increase to a combination of natural events like El Niño and the continued rise in greenhouse gas emissions. Together, these factors push the planet closer to severe climate impacts.

Oceans absorb heat, fuelling more extreme weather

A key finding in the WMO report is that ocean temperatures are rising quickly. Oceans take in more than 90% of the extra heat from global warming, and in 2023, they reached record-high temperatures. This heat has continued into 2024. The extra heat in the ocean causes stronger and more frequent extreme weather events, like hurricanes, storms, and heatwaves.

The report says that warmer oceans have serious effects not just on marine life but also on coastal areas. The rising ocean temperatures can harm ecosystems, making it harder for fish and other creatures to live. The extra heat also causes stronger storms, which can lead to more flooding and damage in coastal areas. The report says sea levels are rising twice as fast as they did between 1993 and 2002. Even though the rise slowed a bit in 2024, it’s still a big issue, and coastal areas need to prepare for higher waters.

Glaciers melting fast, impacting water supply

Another important issue in the WMO report is the fast melting of glaciers around the world. In 2023, glaciers lost an average of 1.2 meters of ice, which is a huge amount. In Switzerland, glaciers lost about 10% of their total ice in just two years. This rapid melting is a big problem for mountain and polar regions, as many people depend on glaciers for their water supply. As glaciers melt, it threatens the availability of water for millions of people.

As glaciers melt, sea levels go up, and the water sources for people in mountain areas get smaller. This is very risky for countries that depend on glacier water for farming and drinking. The WMO report says that these areas need to take steps to protect people and resources from running out of water.

Extreme weather and rising greenhouse gases

The report explains that climate change is causing more extreme weather events around the world. Heatwaves, floods, storms, and long droughts are happening more often and are stronger. These events hurt people's health, cause financial losses, destroy food supplies, and force people to leave their homes. This makes it harder for communities, especially in poorer areas, to develop and survive, adding more problems for people who are already struggling.

The levels of greenhouse gases are still going up, making the problem worse. In 2023, carbon dioxide (CO2) reached a record high of 420 parts per million, which is 51% higher than before industrial times. This trend continued into 2024, trapping more heat in the atmosphere and causing the planet to warm even more. These findings show that it’s urgent to reduce emissions to prevent even worse climate problems.

Urgent call for climate action

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo stressed that it is very important to help communities adapt to climate change, especially those most affected by extreme weather. As part of the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) program, 108 countries now have a system to warn people about possible dangers from extreme weather events. This system is an important step in helping vulnerable areas stay safe and stronger against climate disasters.

The WMO report stresses the importance of taking quick action worldwide to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. A group of international experts has been put together to track climate goals and give advice to policymakers on how to meet the targets of the Paris Agreement. These experts will keep an eye on progress and guide countries on how to adapt to a warming planet.