Record greenhouse gas levels in 2024 have driven global temperatures to an all-time high, accelerating the loss of glaciers and sea ice, raising sea levels, and bringing the world closer to a key climate threshold, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
Record greenhouse gas levels pushed temperatures to an unprecedented high in 2024, accelerating the loss of glaciers and sea ice, raising sea levels, and edging the world closer to a critical climate threshold, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The WMO’s annual climate report revealed that global average temperatures in 2024 were 1.55°C (2.79°F) above pre-industrial levels, surpassing the previous 2023 record by 0.1°C. This puts the world perilously close to exceeding the 1.5°C temperature increase limit set by the 2015 Paris Agreement. While various factors, including a shift in the solar cycle, a significant volcanic eruption, and a reduction in cooling aerosols, contributed to last year’s temperature spike, the primary driver remains the record levels of greenhouse gas emissions.
The report highlighted the dire consequences of these temperature increases, with extreme weather events causing widespread devastation. Droughts led to severe food shortages, while floods and wildfires displaced over 800,000 people—the highest number since records began in 2008.
Meanwhile, ocean heat reached its highest recorded levels, with warming rates accelerating. Rising carbon dioxide concentrations in the ocean also contributed to increasing acidification, further threatening marine life.
The accelerated melting of glaciers and sea ice pushed sea levels to a new high. From 2015 to 2024, sea levels rose by an average of 4.7 millimeters per year—more than double the 2.1 millimeters annually recorded between 1993 and 2002, according to WMO data.
John Kennedy, WMO’s scientific coordinator, also warned of the broader, long-term impacts of the melting ice in polar regions. “Changes in those areas could influence global ocean circulation patterns, which in turn can affect global climate,” he explained. "What happens in the poles doesn’t stay at the poles."
While preliminary estimates suggest the long-term average temperature increase is between 1.34°C and 1.41°C, bringing the world close to the Paris target, the WMO clarified that a single year exceeding 1.5°C does not necessarily indicate a breach of the Paris Agreement threshold. However, due to uncertainty in the data, it cannot be completely ruled out, Kennedy said during a briefing.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said reaching a peace agreement with the United States over the war in Ukraine remains difficult, as Moscow stands firm on its demands and vows never to return to economic dependence on the West.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 15th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Europe experienced its most extensive flooding since 2013 last year, with 30% of the continent’s river network impacted by severe floods, according to a joint report by the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the World Meteorological Organization.
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit San Diego County on Monday, shaking homes and disrupting daily life across the region. Originating near Julian, the tremor was felt in San Diego, Orange, and Los Angeles counties, with residents noting its intensity and duration.
A sandstorm in Najaf, Iraq, has drastically reduced visibility and disrupted daily life, causing major traffic problems and challenging both residents and authorities.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said reaching a peace agreement with the United States over the war in Ukraine remains difficult, as Moscow stands firm on its demands and vows never to return to economic dependence on the West.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 15th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Asian markets edged higher on Tuesday, lifted by gains in auto stocks after US President Donald Trump suggested he might ease tariffs on vehicles.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio by phone, discussing the situations in Syria, Gaza, and efforts for a Ukraine ceasefire, according to diplomatic sources.
NORAD has monitored a Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, confirming it remained in international airspace and posed no threat.
A small plane crashed near Kopake, New York, on April 13, killing at 6 people. The Mitsubishi MU-2B aircraft, carrying six people, went down under unclear circumstances. This marks the second aviation accident in New York in a week, raising safety concerns.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 10th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The death toll from the catastrophic roof collapse at a nightclub in Santo Domingo has risen to 98, with more than 160 people injured, according to Dominican authorities.
A quiet Thursday afternoon at St. Peter’s Basilica turned into something extraordinary, as visitors caught a rare glimpse of Pope Francis — not in his familiar white papal robes, but dressed in black trousers and a striped blanket.
In a dramatic about-face, U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced a 90-day pause on newly implemented tariffs for dozens of countries — a move that eased market turmoil but further escalated tensions with China.
China has unveiled an ambitious expansion of its renewable energy programme, pledging major investment in solar and wind infrastructure to boost clean energy to 40% of its power mix by 2030—marking a decisive shift toward grid integration and nationwide deployment.
The inaugural Samarkand International Climate Forum will kick off on 4th April at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center in Uzbekistan. The high-profile forum will be held under the theme "Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity."
Brazil has named automotive industry executive Dan Ioschpe as its official “climate champion” for the COP30 summit, to be held in Belém this November.
Belgium and Vietnam have signed agreements to collaborate on green hydrogen production during King Philippe’s historic visit to Hanoi.
The World Bank reported that air pollution leads to approximately 5.7 million deaths each year, with 95% of fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income nations. It also causes economic losses amounting to 5% of global GDP due to health impacts, productivity decline, and reduced life expectancy.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said reaching a peace agreement with the United States over the war in Ukraine remains difficult, as Moscow stands firm on its demands and vows never to return to economic dependence on the West.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 15th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Asian markets edged higher on Tuesday, lifted by gains in auto stocks after US President Donald Trump suggested he might ease tariffs on vehicles.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio by phone, discussing the situations in Syria, Gaza, and efforts for a Ukraine ceasefire, according to diplomatic sources.
NORAD has monitored a Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, confirming it remained in international airspace and posed no threat.
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