The European climate agency Copernicus announced Thursday that 2024 is “virtually certain” to become the hottest year ever recorded, with global temperatures expected to exceed the 1.5°C increase over pre-industrial levels. This milestone is intended as a wake-up call to accelerate climate action, just days before crucial UN climate talks in Azerbaijan.
Last month, marked by severe flooding in Spain and Hurricane Milton in the United States, was the second hottest October on record. Copernicus predicts that 2024’s global temperatures will likely average more than 1.55°C above the 1850-1900 baseline. Although this does not breach the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C limit measured over decades, not single years the data highlights the need for ambitious new carbon-cutting commitments at COP29.
“This record-breaking year should serve as a catalyst for increased ambition at COP29,” said Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) Deputy Director Samantha Burgess. Climate scientists warn that surpassing the 1.5°C threshold risks triggering progressively severe impacts.
Wild Weather Patterns and Intensified Extremes
October’s wild weather underscored the broader consequences of global warming. Many regions, including parts of Europe, China, and the U.S., saw above-average rainfall, while record droughts affected millions in the United States. Ocean temperatures reached the second-highest levels for October, and warmer seas and atmosphere have led to more intense storms and downpours globally.
With carbon emissions still rising, scientists caution that the planet could be on track for up to 3.1°C of warming by the century’s end under current trends. Even the most optimistic projections estimate a 2.6°C rise, significantly exceeding the Paris targets.
The upcoming UN climate conference will set the stage for global action to meet the mounting challenges posed by climate change.
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