Significant Events in 2024 Linked to Climate Change

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Significant Events in 2024 Linked to Climate Change

In 2024, climate change is dominating the headlines. Carbon emissions have hit a staggering 41.6 billion tonnes, up from last year’s 40.6 billion tonnes. This shows that fossil fuel use remains unchecked.

Forecasts from November indicate that 2024 could become the hottest year ever recorded, with global temperatures expected to rise over 1.5°C above the levels seen before the industrial era.

During the summer, scientists raised alarms about how climate change affects the Earth’s rotation. The swift melting of polar ice results in water gathering in the oceans and around the equator, which causes a slight wobble in the planet and lengthens the day just a little. This trend could complicate space travel and affect how accurately our phones and computers keep time. According to a study published in Nature, we could see a 2°C rise in Earth’s temperature by 2030.

Additionally, researchers found a surprising new factor contributing to global warming. A study released in May revealed that regulations imposed on the shipping industry in 2020 have led to an 80% drop in sulphur dioxide emissions. Ironically, this reduction in pollution from ships has sped up global warming and led to higher ocean temperatures.

As 2024 ends and 2025 begins, the World Weather Attribution has identified 32 extreme weather events in 2024 that are linked to climate change. This includes the widespread flash floods in Spain, which resulted from torrential rains on 29 October, claiming the lives of more than 200 people across the country.

According to AP News, the southeastern United States faced back-to-back hurricanes—Helene on 26 September and Milton on 9 October—leading to estimated losses and damages of around $50 billion.

In November 2024, the Philippines experienced an extraordinary typhoon season, with six typhoons affecting the country. This unprecedented event impacted 13 million people and resulted in significant destruction to lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.

From September 26 to 28, 2023, Nepal experienced extremely heavy rainfall that led to devastating flash floods and landslides, resulting in the deaths of 244 people.

In the Pantanal region, widespread wildfires have become 40% more intense due to climate change, which has created hotter, drier, and windier conditions.

Additionally, a deadly heatwave affected several Mediterranean countries in July 2023, including Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and Morocco, claiming at least 23 lives. Meanwhile, extreme heat in Mexico from May to June led to over 100 fatalities.

The significant events in 2024 that scientists have linked to climate change have revealed vulnerabilities that result in enormous economic losses. These events highlight the urgent need for climate action through adaptation and mitigation.

The impacts of climate change are not equally distributed; they disproportionately affect developing countries and marginalised communities, which often lack the resources and capacity to adapt.

Leaders and governments need to fulfil their responsibility by providing financial and technical support to these vulnerable communities, helping them build resilience and cope with the effects of climate change.

Source:

State of the Climate 2024 Update for COP29. (2024, November 11). WMO. Retrieved from https://wmo.int/publication-series/state-of-climate-2024-update-cop29

Pare, S. (27 December 2024) Live Science. Retrieved from https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/climate-change/the-most-important-and-shocking-climate-stories-of-2024

Record carbon emissions highlight urgency of Global Greenhouse Gas Watch. (2024, November 19). WMO. Retrieved from https://wmo.int/media/news/record-carbon-emissions-highlight-urgency-of-global-greenhouse-gas-watch

Borenstein, S. (2024, October 17). Helene and Milton are both likely to be $50 billion disasters, joining ranks of most costly storms. AP News. Retrieved from https://apnews.com/article/helene-milton-hurricanes-climate-development-damage-costly-82c1d5df81c76fa08e035bf7c6db3a37

Year: 2024. World Weather Attribution. Retrieved from https://www.worldweatherattribution.org/2024/

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