Why 2024’s climate milestones matter for our extreme weather future

Global temperatures in 2024 exceeded the crucial 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels for the first time, marking a serious warning for the world’s climate goals under the Paris Agreement, scientists said.

The World Meteorological Organization confirmed that average global temperatures in 2024 exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels after analyzing data from the U.S., U.K., Japan, and EU researchers. This milestone highlights the accelerating impact of climate change as extreme weather events worsen worldwide.

Scientists warn human-driven climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme events, which will worsen without major fossil fuel cuts.

Heatwaves are becoming hotter and more common globally. What was once a rare event now occurs nearly three times as often and is on average 1.2°C warmer.

Last year, severe droughts affected Italy and South America, while floods devastated regions in Nepal, Sudan, and Europe.

Heatwaves in Mexico, Mali, and Saudi Arabia claimed thousands of lives, and powerful cyclones struck the U.S. and the Philippines.

Wildfires have also intensified, with the blazes in Los Angeles in January destroying thousands of structures. Scientists said that hot, dry conditions fuelled by climate change dry out vegetation, making fires easier to ignite and spread.

Storms and heavy rainfall are worsening as a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture. In 2024, there were record levels of atmospheric water vapor and it became one of the wettest years on record in the U.S.

The Philippines experienced an unprecedented six typhoons within a month, marking a record Pacific storm season.

Scientists agree that without significant greenhouse gas reductions, extreme heat, wildfires, floods, and droughts will continue to worsen.

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