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World on the Brink of Climate Crisis: A Wake-Up Call
Context:
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has reported that long-term global warming is currently estimated to be between 1.34 and 1.41 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Key Findings of WMO’s State of the Global Climate Report
- The world is close to breaching the 1.5-degree Celsius limit set by the Paris Agreement.
- 2024 is projected to be the first calendar year where global temperatures surpass 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
- 2024 is the warmest year on record in the 175-year observational history.
- 19 of the past 20 months have seen temperatures temporarily breach the 1.5°C mark.
- Atmospheric CO2 concentration is at its highest in 800,000 years.
- Last decade (2014-2024) was the warmest on record, marking a continued trend of rising temperatures.
- Greenhouse gas emissions have committed the world to rising temperatures for the foreseeable future.
- Some climate consequences are irreversible over hundreds to thousands of years.
- Scientists have warned that we could cross this long-term global warming threshold by September 2029.
Consequences of Rising Temperatures
- Extreme Weather Events
- Increase in tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, and wildfires.
- Record-breaking heatwaves in various regions.
- 2024 recorded the highest number of displacements due to climate-related disasters in the last 16 years.
- Rising Ocean Temperatures and Impact on Marine Life
- Each of the past eight years has set a new record for ocean heat content.
- Coral bleaching at an unprecedented scale, leading to the destruction of marine ecosystems.
- Increase in ocean acidification, affecting fisheries and food security.
- Sea Level Rise and Coastal Erosion
- Global mean sea levels are at their highest since satellite records began in 1993.
- Sea levels are rising at twice the rate observed between 1993-2002.
- Communities, such as the Guna Yala people in Panama, are being forced to migrate due to rising sea levels.
- By 2100, coastal flooding is projected to affect 73 million people.
- Polar Ice Melt and Glacier Loss
- Arctic and Antarctic sea ice levels have hit record lows.
- 2022-2024 marked the worst period for glacier mass loss.
- The melting of polar ice sheets contributes to accelerated sea level rise.
Implications for Humanity and Economy
- Agricultural productivity is at risk due to erratic weather patterns.
- Loss of biodiversity as species struggle to adapt to rapidly changing climates.
- Increased economic losses due to extreme weather events, displacement, and infrastructure damage.
- Rising healthcare burdens from heat-related illnesses and vector-borne diseases.
Required Climate Action Steps
- Transition to Renewable Energy
- Renewables generated 30% of global electricity in 2023, driven by growth in solar and wind energy.
- Costs of solar and wind energy have significantly decreased, making them more accessible.
- Implementation of Stronger Climate Policies
- Governments must update their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
- Focus on carbon pricing, stricter emission regulations, and climate adaptation measures.
- Countries need to enhance early warning systems for climate disasters.
- Global Cooperation and Climate Finance
- Developed nations must increase financial support to developing countries for climate mitigation and adaptation.
- Strengthening climate resilience strategies in vulnerable nations.
- Investments in climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable practices.
