Geneva, March 20 – The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) of the United Nations (UN) has released its annual Climate Status Report, declaring 2024 as the hottest year ever recorded. This year has even surpassed 2023, which previously held the record for the highest global temperatures. According to the organization, 2024 marked the first time in history that global temperatures exceeded the 1850-1900 baseline by 1.5°C. The report was officially presented on March 19 by WMO Secretary-General Prof. Celeste Saulo.
The Hottest Decade on Record
Earlier reports indicated that the period from 2014 to 2023 was the warmest decade in recorded history. During these 10 years, heatwaves significantly impacted oceans and caused record losses of glaciers worldwide.
Disasters Displaced Millions in 2024
The year 2024 witnessed extreme climate events, including cyclones, floods, droughts, and other natural disasters. According to the report, these catastrophic events forced over 36 million people to leave their homes, marking the highest displacement figures since 2008.
- In China, millions were displaced due to the Sichuan earthquake.
- In India, heavy floods severely affected numerous regions.
- Saudi Arabia and several other nations experienced unprecedented heatwaves, with temperatures soaring up to 50°C during the Hajj pilgrimage.
Climate Change Reaches Alarming Levels
The WMO report warns that the signs of human-induced climate change reached new extremes in 2024. This year might be the first full calendar year where global temperatures remained 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
- The global average surface temperature was 1.55 ± 0.13°C higher than the 1850-1900 average.
- The ocean temperatures continued rising, contributing to sea level rise and increasing ocean acidity.
- Glaciers worldwide continued to melt and shrink at an alarming rate.
Urgent Need for Climate Action
The report calls for urgent investments in early warning systems and climate services to protect human lives and livelihoods from worsening climate impacts. Prof. Celeste Saulo emphasized that while this does not mean the Paris Agreement goals are unattainable, it is a warning that we are putting our planet, economy, and future generations at severe risk.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
