The United Nations’ weather agency is sounding a “red alert” about global warming, citing record-breaking increases last year in greenhouse gases, land and water temperatures and the melting of glaciers and sea ice.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said in a report released on Tuesday that there is a “high probability” that 2024 will be another record-hot year and warned that the world’s efforts to reverse the trend have been inadequate.
The WMO report shows that records were once again broken, and in some cases smashed, for greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean heat and acidification, sea level rise, Antarctic sea ice cover and glacier retreat.
Heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires and rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones caused misery and mayhem, upending every-day life for millions and inflicting many billions of dollars in economic losses, according to the WMO State of the Global Climate 2023 report.
The WMO report confirmed that 2023 was the warmest year on record, with the global average near-surface temperature at 1.45 °Celsius (with a margin of uncertainty of ± 0.12 °C) above the pre-industrial baseline. It was the warmest ten-year period on record.
“Sirens are blaring across all major indicators… Some records aren’t just chart-topping, they’re chart-busting. And changes are speeding-up.” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
“Never have we been so close – albeit on a temporary basis at the moment – to the 1.5° C lower limit of the Paris Agreement on climate change.” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. “The WMO community is sounding the Red Alert to the world.”
“Climate change is about much more than temperatures. What we witnessed in 2023, especially with the unprecedented ocean warmth, glacier retreat and Antarctic sea ice loss, is cause for particular concern,” she said.
The key messages of the report include:
• Confirmation of 2023 as hottest year on record by clear margin
• Records broken for ocean heat, sea level rise, Antarctic sea ice loss and glacier retreat
• Extreme weather undermines socio-economic development
• Renewable energy transition provides hope
• Cost of climate inaction is higher than cost of climate action
What this means is that even after so much effort to mitigate the climate crisis, it is clear we have a long way to go.
To address the multifaceted challenge of climate change and its accompanying extreme weather events such as record-breaking temperatures, droughts, floods, and forest fires, nations around the globe can adopt a holistic and integrated approach that emphasizes both mitigation and adaptation strategies. Central to this approach is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions through the transition from fossil fuel-based energy sources to renewable and cleaner alternatives like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. This shift not only curtails emissions but also fosters sustainable development.
Enhancing energy efficiency across various sectors, including industrial, transportation, and residential, plays a crucial role in reducing overall carbon footprints. This can be achieved through the adoption of advanced technologies, improved practices, and encouraging behavioral changes that prioritize conservation and efficiency.
Forestation and reforestation efforts are vital in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby acting as natural carbon sinks. Protecting existing forests and other critical ecosystems such as wetlands and peatlands also preserves biodiversity and supports ecological balance, further contributing to climate change mitigation.
In parallel, developing resilient infrastructure and implementing robust disaster risk management systems are essential to withstand and recover from extreme weather events. These measures include building flood defenses, creating drought-resistant water supply systems, and designing fire-resistant urban and rural planning strategies.
Promoting sustainable agricultural practices and ensuring food security are also key components of a comprehensive strategy. By adopting techniques that reduce water usage, enhance soil health, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions, agriculture can be both a source of sustenance and a means of combating climate change.
Ultimately, international cooperation and the sharing of knowledge, technology, and financial resources are imperative. Climate change is a global issue that transcends borders, and collective action is necessary to address its impacts effectively. By working together, nations can foster a sustainable and resilient global community capable of facing the challenges posed by climate change.