The State of the Climate 2024 report, presented ahead of COP29, highlights a critical juncture for global climate action. Produced by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the report consolidates the latest data on climate indicators, extreme events, and the progress of climate services. This year’s update reflects alarming trends, including record-breaking temperatures, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events. However, it also offers insights into emerging solutions and opportunities to mitigate these challenges.
Rising Temperatures and Greenhouse Gas Concentrations
The period between January and September 2024 recorded a global mean surface air temperature of 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels. This figure is bolstered by the strong El Niño event, making 2024 on track to be the warmest year in recorded history. Notably, 2023 and 2024 will now mark the two hottest years globally, contributing to a decade (2015–2024) that has been the warmest in 175 years.
Greenhouse gas concentrations continue to rise at alarming rates. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels reached 420 ppm in 2023, representing a 51% increase from pre-industrial levels. Methane (CH₄) concentrations surged to 1934 ppb—165% higher than pre-industrial levels—while nitrous oxide (N₂O) climbed to 336.9 ppb, marking a 24% increase. Emissions from fossil fuels remain the dominant driver of these increases.
“The persistent rise in greenhouse gases underscores the urgent need for systemic changes in energy production and consumption,” said WMO Secretary-General Prof. Celeste Saulo.
The Ocean’s Role in Climate Dynamics
Ocean heat content reached unprecedented levels in 2023, with the ocean absorbing approximately 3.1 million TWh of heat—18 times the world’s annual energy consumption. This warming trend drives thermal expansion and accelerates sea-level rise, which has more than doubled its pace from 1993–2002 to 2014–2023 (4.77 mm/year).
Preliminary data from 2024 suggests that ocean heat content remains consistent with 2023’s record, signaling long-term implications for ecosystems and coastal communities. The melting of ice sheets and glaciers further exacerbates sea-level rise. For instance, glaciers globally lost 1.2 meters of water equivalent in 2023, the largest recorded annual loss.
“Ecosystems and coastal populations are on the frontlines of these irreversible changes,” the report warns, emphasizing the importance of adaptive strategies.
Extreme Events: A New Normal
From January to September 2024, the world witnessed an alarming frequency and intensity of extreme weather events:
- Heatwaves struck East Asia, Europe, and North America, with temperatures exceeding historical norms.
- Flooding in Brazil displaced 630,000 people and caused economic losses of billions, while East Africa experienced severe inundation that displaced half a million individuals.
- Drought gripped Mexico, leading to a 20–40% reduction in corn production, while Zambia’s cereal harvest dropped by 42%.
- Wildfires in Chile affected over 14,000 properties, marking one of the worst wildfire disasters this century.
These events collectively underline the growing human and economic toll of climate change. For example, the report estimates over 1.5 million people were displaced by Typhoon Yagi, which devastated Southeast Asia in September 2024.
Progress in Climate Services and Early Warning Systems
Encouragingly, progress has been made in developing climate services and early warning systems. As of 2024, 108 countries report having multi-hazard early warning systems (MHEWS), covering approximately 55% of the global population. The Early Warning for All (EW4All) initiative aims to ensure that every person on Earth is protected from hazardous weather events by 2027.
Despite advancements, significant gaps remain, particularly in least developed countries (LDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS). Only 9% of the Global Basic Observing Network data is collected and exchanged internationally, underscoring the need for investment in climate observation infrastructure.
“Closing these gaps is critical for protecting vulnerable populations and enhancing global resilience to climate shocks,” the report notes.
Opportunities for Climate Action
Amidst these challenges, the State of the Climate 2024 report identifies actionable opportunities:
- Scaling Renewable Energy: Global renewable energy capacity needs to triple by 2030 to meet COP28 targets. This includes leveraging solar, wind, and hydropower potential, particularly in regions like South America, where solar photovoltaic capacity increased by 3.9% in 2023 due to favorable conditions.
- Green Hydrogen Production: Integrated water and climate policies are crucial to optimizing green hydrogen as a cornerstone of future energy systems.
- Investing in Adaptation: With 88% of LDCs incorporating early warning systems into their national adaptation plans, funding mechanisms like the Loss and Damage Fund can accelerate implementation.
- Corporate Engagement: Businesses must align operations with climate goals, focusing on resource efficiency and carbon reduction to mitigate financial risks associated with climate disruptions.
Climate Insider Analysis
The 2024 State of the Climate report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for accelerated climate action.
- Temperature Trends: The record-breaking temperatures of 2023 and 2024 are not anomalies but part of a longer-term warming trend that demands systemic emissions reductions.
- Oceanic Impacts: Rising ocean heat content and accelerating sea levels highlight the interconnectedness of climate systems and the importance of targeted coastal resilience strategies.
- Adaptation vs. Mitigation: Extreme weather events and glacier loss emphasize the dual need for climate mitigation to curb future impacts and adaptation to address current challenges.
- Global Equity: Disparities in climate service capacities underscore the need for international cooperation to ensure vulnerable regions are not left behind.
As the world gathers for COP29, the findings in this report underscore the urgency of aligning policy, innovation, and investment to meet the challenges of a warming world. Every fraction of a degree matters, and the time for decisive action is now.
Featured Image: Credit: World Meteorological Organization
