In a striking revelation, the World Meteorological Organization (W.M.O.) has announced that the last ten years represent the hottest decade in nearly two centuries of climatic records. This alarming trend culminated in 2024, which is now documented as the hottest year ever, with temperatures soaring approximately 1.55 degrees Celsius above the preindustrial average.
Chris Hewitt, the W.M.O.'s director of climate services, emphasized the significance of this unprecedented development, marking the first instance where every year in the last decade has ranked among the ten warmest recorded. The year 2024 not only eclipsed the preceding heat benchmark set in 2023 but also stands alone, indicative of the escalating climate crisis.
The W.M.O. report—compiled with contributions from global experts and institutions—delves into the connection between increasing global temperatures and climate-related catastrophes that have surged in frequency and intensity. Disasters such as wildfires, severe storms, and drought have been exacerbated by the rising temperatures, resulting in significant humanitarian crises as populations are displaced.
Additionally, the report highlights a worrying rise in atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, particularly carbon dioxide levels, which reached their highest point in millions of years during 2024. These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive climate action to mitigate the mounting threats posed by climate change.
