A recent report from the UN warns that the next few years could see a record high in global temperatures. The UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) claims that 2023 is on track to be the second or third hottest year in 176 years. With projections stating that 2023, 2024, and 2025 will be the hottest yet, it’s clear we are deep in the climate crisis.
The WMO highlighted that the last 11 years, starting from 2015, have been the warmest on record. Unfortunately, reaching the Paris Agreement’s target of keeping global warming to 1.5°C is becoming increasingly unlikely. António Guterres, the UN secretary-general, states this target is now nearly out of reach.
Celeste Saulo, the WMO secretary-general, emphasized that current heat levels and greenhouse gas emissions suggest that limiting warming to 1.5°C will require drastic measures. One approach involves removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere by planting trees and utilizing technology to capture CO2.
The WMO and other experts warn that every degree above 1.5°C could severely impact economies and worsen inequality. Guterres stresses the urgency: “We must act now, at great speed and scale.” If we overshoot the target, it could trigger climate tipping points that lead to severe consequences.
Even with the rise of renewable energy and electric vehicles, global efforts to cut fossil fuel emissions fall short. A WMO report indicated a record spike in atmospheric CO2 is expected for 2024, raising concerns about natural systems that absorb CO2 weakening due to higher temperatures.
Natural weather patterns, like El Niño, have contributed to rising temperatures in 2023. As we transition to neutral or La Niña conditions in 2025, we might see a slight dip in global temps, but this won’t last.
The ongoing climate crisis has also led to extreme weather events becoming more frequent and intense. Early warning systems are crucial for preventing disasters. The number of countries with such systems has grown significantly, from 56 in 2015 to 119 in 2024. However, 40% of nations still lack them, underscoring the need for swift action to achieve universal coverage by 2027.
In a broader context, the past also offers insights. In the late 20th century, the global response to climate issues was less urgent. Today’s statistics and expert opinions highlight the deepening crisis, signifying a major shift in public awareness and the acknowledgment of climate change as a pressing, immediate threat.
For more information on climate action and policies, you can check out reports from the UN Environment Programme and the UN’s early warning systems initiative.
