World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released its State of Global Climate 2024 Report, revealing alarming trends in global warming, greenhouse gas concentrations, and sea-level rise. According to report, 2024 was hottest year in 175 years, with atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels reaching 420 parts per million (ppm)—the highest in 8,00,000 years.
Key Findings from Report:
1. Rising Greenhouse Gas Concentrations:
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Increased by 2.8 ppm in 2023, reaching 420 ppm, the highest since modern measurements began in the 1950s.
- Methane (CH4): Reached 934 ppm.
- Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Increased to 336.9 ppm.
2. Anthropogenic Contributions:
- 79% of the increase in CO2 concentration over the past decade is attributed to human activities.
- 48% of total CO2 emissions remain trapped in the atmosphere, while oceans and land act as carbon sinks, absorbing 26% and 30% of emissions, respectively.
3. 2024 Temperature Records:
- The average global near-surface temperature in 2024 was 1.55°C above the 175-year average.
- Long-term global warming is estimated at 1.34-1.41°C compared to the 1850-1900 baseline.
4. Ocean Heat & Sea-Level Rise:
- Ocean heat levels in 2024 were at a record high in 65 years, with the rate of ocean warming over the past two decades being double that observed between 1960-2005.
- Global mean sea levels in 2024 touched new heights since satellite-based data collection began in 1993. Oceans absorb 90% of the extra heat trapped by greenhouse gases, affecting marine life, sea levels, and weather patterns.
5. Glacial Melt and Arctic Ice Decline:
- Global glacier mass loss between 2021-2024 was the highest on record.
- Arctic sea ice extent in 2024 was the 7th lowest since 1979.
6. El Niño’s Impact (2023-2024):
- The 2023-24 El Niño event significantly contributed to the record global temperatures.
- El Niño, a periodic warming of the Pacific Ocean, causes varied regional effects: Increased rainfall in the Horn of Africa and southern US. Dry and warm conditions in Southeast Asia, Australia, and southern Africa.
7. Extreme Weather Events and Displacement:
- Tropical cyclones, floods, and droughts in 2024 resulted in the highest number of new displacements in 16 years and worsened food crises, causing massive economic losses.
Factors Driving Climate Changes:
The report highlights several factors contributing to unexpected temperature increases and climatic changes, including:
- Early onset of Solar Cycle 25 in 2020.
- Volcanic eruptions releasing heat-trapping gases.
- Reduction in aerosol emissions due to environmental regulations, which reduced the cooling effect of aerosols.
About World Meteorological Organization (WMO):
- Specialized UN Agency: WMO is the UN’s authoritative voice on the Earth’s atmosphere, climate, and hydrology.
- History: Originated from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), founded in 1873, and became a specialized UN agency in 1950.
- Members: 193 Members, including 187 countries and 6 territories.
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
Mission: WMO aims to:
- Facilitate international cooperation in meteorology, climate, and hydrology.
- Promote exchange of information and technology related to weather, climate, and environmental science.
- Provide real-time data through its global network (1984-2023) to assess climate patterns and risks.