The year 2024 has officially been declared the hottest on record, surpassing the previous high set in 2023, highlighting the escalating impacts of climate change. Experts warn that this unprecedented temperature rise is a clear indicator of the crisis facing ecosystems, economies, and public health worldwide.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that November 2024 was the second warmest in 123 years, with an average temperature of 29.37°C. The delayed onset of winter has underscored concerns about the far-reaching effects of global warming.
Professor S.N. Mishra, a leading climate expert, stated, “Unchecked greenhouse gas emissions are driving us toward catastrophic outcomes. We may breach the critical 1.5°C global warming threshold as early as 2030.”
The consequences of rising temperatures are evident in extreme weather events worldwide:
•India: Heatwaves in Northwest and Central regions caused numerous fatalities.
•Jammu and Kashmir: Fresh snowfall in December reflects erratic weather patterns.
•Dubai: Unprecedented floods struck twice in one year.
•Mecca: Over 1,000 heatstroke-related deaths were reported.
The economic cost of climate change continues to rise. India suffered $87 billion in losses from extreme weather events in 2021, a figure that surged further in subsequent years. Global losses exceeded $1.5 trillion in 2022.
Environmental expert Manu Singh highlighted the health crisis, noting that higher temperatures exacerbate respiratory and waterborne diseases and reduce food quality. The spread of vector-borne illnesses like dengue and malaria has also intensified, along with rising cases of trauma and mental health challenges linked to extreme weather.
Experts stress that tackling the climate crisis requires urgent global cooperation. Recommendations include transitioning to renewable energy, adopting sustainable practices, and enforcing stricter policies on emissions.
Dr. Ahmed, a Delhi-based expert, emphasized the role of technology in reducing emissions, advocating for mandatory hybrid vehicles to curb pollution in traffic-heavy cities. Meanwhile, the Delhi Traffic Police ramped up enforcement in 2024, penalizing over 4.5 lakh vehicles for lacking Pollution Under Control (PUC) certificates.
The warming climate is also threatening biodiversity, disrupting ecosystems, and reducing crop yields and water availability. Singh stressed the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the ripple effects of rising temperatures on wildlife and food security.
As the global average temperature in 2024 climbed 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels, experts warn that the impacts are no longer a distant threat but a harsh reality. “Every action matters,” Singh said. “While individual efforts are important, systemic policy changes are crucial for a sustainable future.”
