In 2024, the world is facing an unprecedented climate crisis.
The UN chief, António Guterres, warned last year that the “era of global boiling” had begun, and a new report confirms his prediction.
Global surface temperatures are on track to hit a 1.5°C rise above preindustrial levels, a threshold that could have devastating effects on ecosystems and human life.
This year is poised to become the hottest on record, with global temperatures soaring 1.62°C above the average from 1850-1900, when humanity began burning fossil fuels at an alarming rate.
As global temperatures climb, so do extreme weather events.
Southern Europe is experiencing longer and more intense heatwaves, with parts of Greece and Turkey enduring daily heat stress, reaching dangerously high temperatures.
Migrant workers and prisoners, often without access to air conditioning, are among the most vulnerable, facing life-threatening conditions.
The oceans are not immune to the heat either. Marine heatwaves are becoming more frequent, with ocean surface temperatures rising to levels previously thought unimaginable.
The warming of the oceans supercharges evaporation, leading to more intense rainfall and hurricanes.
A report by Lancet shows that 61% of the global land experienced an increase in extreme rainfall between 1994 and 2023, highlighting the growing unpredictability of weather patterns.
But it’s not just flooding that’s a concern; droughts are also spreading.
The Amazon, a vital ecosystem for global climate regulation, faced severe drought this year, putting its inhabitants and biodiversity at risk.
Rising temperatures, extreme weather, and greenhouse gases continue to fuel global environmental challenges.Nearly half of the world’s land area has been affected by droughts in 2024, a worrying trend linked to the intensifying climate crisis.
Despite the mounting evidence, emissions of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane continue to rise.
The concentration of CO2 reached 420 parts per million in 2023, marking a 51% increase from preindustrial levels.
The world is far from meeting the goals set in the Paris Agreement, with global emissions expected to rise by 0.8% in 2024.
The consequences of this unchecked warming are dire.
Rising sea levels, fueled by melting ice caps, are threatening coastal cities around the world, from New York to Shanghai.
Even if global temperatures stabilize at 2°C above preindustrial levels, millions of people will face the threat of submerged cities.
However, all is not lost. There is a glimmer of hope as renewable energy deployment accelerates globally.
The International Renewable Energy Agency reported a record 3,870 GW of renewable capacity in 2023, with China leading the way.
Though developing countries are lagging, renewable energy remains a key solution to mitigate the ongoing climate crisis.
The shift towards electric cars is another positive trend. While adoption is uneven across regions, electric vehicle sales continue to rise, with China leading the charge.
In 2023, nearly 60% of global electric car registrations were in China, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable transportation.
As the world continues to warm, it is clear that the time for action is now.
The climate crisis is here, and we must act swiftly to reduce emissions, build renewable infrastructure, and protect vulnerable communities before it’s too late.