Climate change is becoming more severe, with alarming indicators pointing in the wrong direction. Recent findings by over sixty researchers paint a concerning picture. The study, published in Earth System Science Data, highlights that human-induced warming is increasing rapidly, reaching 0.27°C per decade between 2015 and 2024.
Greenhouse gas emissions, mainly from fossil fuel use, have hit record levels in 2024, averaging 53 billion tons of CO2 annually. At the same time, pollutants in the air that generally help cool the planet are on the decline.
The research team, which included scientists from 17 countries, used guidelines from the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) to present timely updates on these critical factors. As of 2024, global warming has risen to 1.52°C since pre-industrial times, with 1.36°C attributed to human activity alone.
Though 1.52°C might seem alarming, climatologist Christophe Cassou suggests it’s “foreseeable.” He mentions that it isn’t entirely unexpected for climate scientists, considering ongoing human impacts. However, this doesn’t mean we’ve crossed the crucial threshold set by the Paris Agreement; rather, it’s clear we need decisive action over the coming decades.
But time is running out. The allowable carbon budget—reflecting how much CO2 we can still emit to limit warming to 1.5°C—has significantly decreased. Early 2025 estimates show this budget at about 130 billion tons, which would only last just over three years at current emission rates. Just a year ago, this figure was around 200 billion tons. “Exceeding the 1.5°C threshold now seems unavoidable,” warns Pierre Friedlingstein from CNRS.
The study also introduced new indicators like sea level rise, driven by global warming. Glaciers melting faster contribute to this issue, causing an annual increase of 26 mm between 2019 and 2024—over double the rate seen throughout the 20th century. In total, ocean levels have risen by 22.8 cm since 1900, endangering low-lying regions and island nations.
Despite the grim picture, there is hope. Climatologist Valérie Masson-Delmotte emphasizes that swift action can still help. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to slowing sea level rise and mitigating its effects.
As the world gears up for COP30 in Brazil later this year, geopolitical developments could hinder global cooperation. The U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under Donald Trump has raised concerns about the future of climate policies. Aurélien Ribes from the French National Center for Meteorological Research reminds us that any rise in emissions will have lasting consequences on our climate.
In light of these urgent findings, increased awareness and immediate action are essential. The fate of our planet hangs in the balance, and it’s up to all of us to advocate for sustainable practices.
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