State of Global Climate Report 2024

State of Global Climate Report 2024

Why in the News?

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released its State of Global Climate Report 2024, warning that global warming is approaching the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement.

Key Findings of the Global Climate Report

• Current Warming Levels: Global temperatures have risen by 1.34–1.41°C above pre-industrial levels, with 19 of the past 20 months exceeding the 1.5°C threshold. The world may surpass this critical threshold by September 2029.

• Extreme Weather Events: In 2024, extreme weather conditions led to record displacements due to cyclones, floods, and droughts, exacerbating food crises. Heatwaves also affected regions including East Asia, Southeast Europe, the Mediterranean, West Asia, and the southwestern US.

• Carbon Dioxide Levels: Atmospheric CO₂ concentrations reached 151% of pre-industrial levels in 2023, the highest in 800,000 years.

• Cryosphere Decline: Arctic sea ice hit record lows for the 18th consecutive year, while Antarctic sea ice recorded its second-lowest extent in 2024.

• Irreversible Impacts:

• Ocean Warming: 2024 saw the highest ocean heat content in 65 years, with the warming rate accelerating since 1960.

• Sea Level Rise: Global mean sea levels reached a record high, with the rate of rise doubling from 2.1 mm per year (1993–2002) to 4.7 mm per year (2015–2024).

• Glacier Melt: Between 2022–2024, the most negative glacier mass balance was recorded, with significant losses observed in Norway, Sweden, Svalbard, and the tropical Andes.

• Ocean Acidification: pH levels are rapidly decreasing, especially in the Indian Ocean, Southern Ocean, and equatorial Pacific, with irreversible effects expected over centuries.

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