2024 becomes the hottest year in history

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) of the European Commission (EC) announced on January 10 that the average temperature of the Earth in 2024 will be about 1.6 degrees Celsius higher than in the pre-industrial period, Greenhouse gas emissions also reached an all-time high. This is the first time the world has exceeded the 1.5 degrees Celsius increase threshold that about 200 countries pledged to avoid under the 2015 Paris climate agreement, making 2024 the hottest year on record.

The Paris Agreement’s target refers to average temperatures over two decades, so this new record does not mean the commitment is no longer valid, but it does make reaching the target extremely difficult. “There is a very good chance we will exceed the long-term average of 1.5 degrees Celsius and the Paris Agreement limit,” said Samantha Burgess, climate strategy lead at the European Center for Mid-Range Weather Forecasts. Europe (ECMWF), said.

Last year, the impacts of the climate crisis became clear, causing human disasters ranging from unprecedented heat waves to storms, droughts, floods and raging wildfires. A series of climate records have been broken as the world experienced its hottest day in history in July, and every month from January to June was the warmest month ever recorded.

One reason for the record temperatures could be the occurrence of El Nino, a climate cycle that typically lasts 9-12 months that causes water in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean to be warmer than normal, affecting water patterns. global weather. However, after El Nino ended mid-last year, temperatures did not return to previous averages. This has scientists debating whether other weather patterns, reduced pollution from shipping or reduced clouds are driving global warming.

“Not every year will be record-breaking, but the long-term trend is clear. We’re already seeing the impact in heavy rains, heatwaves, increased risk of flooding, and these will get worse.” if the world continues to emit,” said Gavin Schmidt, director of the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) under NASA.

It’s too early to tell about 2025. Global sea surface temperatures reached a record high in 2024, but appear to be falling toward more normal levels. In addition, La Nina – the opposite phenomenon and cooler than El Nino – has appeared in the equatorial region of the Pacific Ocean. This can help reduce temperatures even further.

“Every set of internationally released global temperature data shows that 2024 is the hottest year since records began in 1850. Humanity decides its own fate, but how do we respond? Responding to the climate challenge should be based on evidence. The future is still in our hands. Acting quickly and decisively can still change the direction of future climate development,” said Carlo Buontempo, director. C3S governor, divided share.