GENEVA: The year 2024 is on track to become the warmest year ever recorded, capping a decade characterized by unprecedented heat primarily driven by human activities, as reported by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for global climate action to mitigate the impacts of rising temperatures.
According to Emirates News Agency, the WMO’s latest report highlights that greenhouse gas levels continue to rise, reaching record highs that are expected to lock in even more heat for the future. The organization plans to release the consolidated global temperature figure for 2024 in January, followed by its comprehensive State of the Global Climate 2024 report in March 2025. Celeste Saulo, WMO Secretary-General, emphasized that even minor increases in temperature can exacerbate climate extremes, impacts, and risks. She noted that climate change is evident in the increased frequency and impact of extreme weather events observed globally.
This year has witnessed record-breaking rainfall and flooding, resulting in significant loss of life and widespread devastation across multiple continents. Saulo pointed out that tropical cyclones have had a severe human and economic toll, particularly in areas like the French overseas department of Mayotte. Additionally, intense heat waves have affected numerous countries, with temperatures exceeding 50°C on several occasions, while wildfires have caused extensive damage.
The WMO is advocating for the “Early Warnings for All” initiative, which aims to enhance climate service development and delivery as part of its broader efforts to support climate adaptation. On the climate mitigation front, the organization is implementing the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch initiative and continues to support the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and COP efforts.
In 2025, WMO plans to focus on the cryosphere, which includes the Earth’s frozen regions such as sea ice and glaciers. This focus is part of the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, facilitated by UNESCO and WMO. A recent report by World Weather Attribution and Climate Central revealed that climate change intensified 26 of the 29 weather events studied, resulting in at least 3,700 fatalities and the displacement of millions. The report also indicated that climate change added 41 days of dangerous heat in 2024, adversely affecting human health and ecosystems.
With global temperatures continuing to rise and extreme heat events becoming more frequent and severe, there is an increasing need for enhanced international cooperation to address these risks, WMO stated. In response to the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action on extreme heat, a group of experts from 15 international organizations, 12 countries, and several leading academic and NGO partners convened at WMO headquarters from December 17-19 to develop a coordinated framework for tackling the growing threat of extreme heat.