This year is on track to become the warmest on record, with temperatures expected to average 1.55C above pre-industrial levels, according to the EU earth observation agency. The increase in temperature is primarily due to climate change, resulting in extreme weather events such as deadly floods in Spain, hurricanes in the US, and wildfires in Peru.
If 2024 surpasses the 1.5C warming threshold, it will be the first time temperatures have risen to such a level since the industrial revolution. The previous record was set in 2023 at 1.48C above the global pre-industrial average. The trend of rising temperatures is a clear indication of the impact of climate change on our planet.
The looming threat of climate change is further exacerbated by the potential re-election of Donald Trump, whose policies could slow down global efforts to combat climate change. With the critical deadline of 2030 approaching to reduce emissions, the outcome of the upcoming UN COP29 climate summit in Baku could be crucial in determining the future trajectory of climate action.
The Paris climate agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5C, is at risk of being undermined by the slow progress in transitioning away from fossil fuels. Carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are the primary driver of global warming, and urgent action is needed to accelerate the shift towards renewable energy sources.
Climate scientists warn that the current pace of climate action is insufficient to meet the targets set in the Paris agreement. The limits established in the agreement are at risk of being surpassed, leading to irreversible damage to the planet. Governments must prioritize climate action and implement policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions to secure a sustainable future for the planet.
As we approach 2030, the timeline for averting a climate crisis is narrowing. The urgency to act decisively on climate change has never been greater, and world leaders must come together to address this global challenge. The fate of our planet depends on the collective efforts of nations to combat climate change and transition to a greener, more sustainable future.
