The Earth is experiencing unprecedented levels of warming, with 2024 almost certain to become the hottest year in recorded history, surpassing the record set in 2023.
This update was announced by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on November 7, just before the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which will take place from November 11 to 22 in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Indian officials reported that the country just experienced the longest heatwave on record this summer – (Photo: AFP).
On the same day, the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) of the European Union (EU) released a report stating that from January to October this year, global average temperatures have risen to levels that make 2024 almost certain to “break” previous temperature records unless the average temperature in the remaining two months of the year drops near zero.
Additionally, 2024 will be the first year to record a global temperature increase of more than 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial averages.
Also on November 7, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a video message to the 19th UN Climate Change Youth Conference (COY19).
He expressed that humanity is burning the Earth and must pay the price, emphasizing the crucial role of youth in combating climate change.
Countries Need to Act Before the Climate Crisis
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released a report stating that countries worldwide must intensify actions to address the climate crisis, including targeted funding for climate adaptation, capacity building, and technology transfer.
According to UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen, the failure to enhance adaptation measures has weakened responses to climate shocks, harming the livelihoods of poor and vulnerable populations.
Therefore, securing substantial and effective funding for equitable and fair adaptation efforts is more urgent than ever. Additionally, funding for climate adaptation activities should be more predictive and strategic rather than reactive and remedial.
