2024: A Record-Breaking Year for Global Temperatures
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has officially declared 2024 as the warmest year on record, with global temperatures soaring to approximately 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels. This unprecedented warming marks a significant milestone, as it is the first time a calendar year has exceeded the critical 1.5°C threshold outlined in the Paris Agreement. The confirmation is based on six international datasets, underscoring the robustness of the findings and the urgent need for intensified climate action.
Key Findings
- 2024 was the warmest year on record globally
- Global temperatures reached about 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels
- First calendar year to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels
- The past ten years (2015-2024) were the warmest decade on record
- Confirmation based on six international datasets
Implications for Climate Action
The record-breaking temperatures of 2024 serve as a stark reminder of the accelerating pace of climate change and the pressing need for immediate and decisive action to mitigate its effects. While this single year does not signify a permanent breach of the Paris Agreement's long-term temperature goal, it underscores the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing adaptive measures to build resilience against climate impacts.