The year 2024 will be recorded as the warmest in the history of the planet earth and the first to overcome the symbolic limit of 1.5°C from global warming compared to pre-industrial levels, as announced this Monday by the European Copernicus observatory.
The Copernicus climate Change service (C3S) reported that, after a November marked by thermal anomalies and extreme phenomena, there is certainty that the global average temperature in 2024 will exceed that threshold.A limit that has been established in the Paris agreement as a global objective to curb the impact of climate change produced by man.
Scientist Julien Nicolas, from C3S, pointed out that record temperature levels could be maintained at the beginning of 2025, with a possible absence of the phenomenon The Girlwhich usually helps moderate warming.
the past November recorded a temperature 1.62 °C higher than the average for the same month in the pre-industrial era. This was the 16th of the last 17 months with anomalies above the threshold of 1.5 °Caccording to the Copernicus ERA5 database.
He global warmingcurrently estimated at 1.3 °C, is in line with the projections of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPEC), which anticipates that the 1.5 °C threshold will be reached between 2030 and 2035 if drastic measures are not taken.
What happens if global warming reaches the 1.5°C threshold?
The increase in global temperature has been a factor in the increase in natural disasters, such as droughts, heat waves and torrential rains, which have left an economic balance of $310 billion in global losses during 2024, according to the insurance group Swiss Re.
Current country policies project warming of 3.1°C this century,or 2.6°C if promises of improvement are met, according to the UN.
Furthermore, the agreements reached at the recent COP29 have been considered insufficient to accelerate the energy transition. Developing countries achieved the promise of $300 billion annually in aid for their climate adaptation, a figure that represents less than half of what was requested.
He El Niño phenomenonwhich peaked between December and January 2023, combined its effects with human-caused climate warming to push temperatures to record levels. However, the slowdown in cooling in 2024 raises questions for scientists.
A study published in Science links the phenomenon with a reduction in the capacity of the Tierra to reflect solar energy, attributed to less low-altitude cloud formation and the shrinking ice sheet in Antarctica, which hit a new melting record in November, according to Copernicus.
How can individuals effectively contribute to combating climate change considering current global temperature trends?
Interview with Climate Expert julien Nicolas on the Record Global Temperatures of 2024
Time.news Editor: thank you for joining us today, Julien. The recent declaration from the European Copernicus Observatory indicates that 2024 is set to be the warmest year on record. Can you explain what led to this meaningful rise in global temperatures?
Julien Nicolas: Thank you for having me. The rise in global temperatures can be attributed to a combination of human-induced climate change and natural climate phenomena like El niño. In November alone, we recorded average temperatures 1.62°C higher than the pre-industrial average, marking a concerning trend where 16 of the last 17 months have shown temperature anomalies exceeding the 1.5°C threshold established in the Paris Agreement.
Time.news Editor: reaching this threshold has serious implications. What do you foresee happening if global warming maintains or surpasses the 1.5°C limit?
Julien Nicolas: Surpassing the 1.5°C threshold can lead to dramatic increases in the frequency and severity of natural disasters, such as droughts, floods, and heatwaves. Our analysis projects that economic losses coudl reach about $310 billion worldwide in 2024 alone due to extreme weather events. If we do not take drastic actions to curb emissions, we could see a global temperature rise of 3.1°C this century.
Time.news Editor: What are the practical steps that individuals and governments can take to combat this escalating crisis?
Julien Nicolas: For individuals, reducing energy consumption, adopting renewable energy sources, and supporting sustainable practices can make a difference. On a larger scale, governments must enhance their climate policies and prioritize the transition to renewable energy. although the agreements reached at COP29 promise $300 billion annually to aid climate adaptation in developing countries, it is essential to ensure these commitments are fulfilled and expanded, as they represent less than half of what was requested.
Time.news Editor: The Copernicus Climate Change Service is crucial for monitoring these changes. Can you elaborate on the role of C3S and its relevance in today’s climate debate?
Julien Nicolas: Absolutely.The Copernicus Climate Change Service provides vital data on climate patterns and extremes,enabling scientists,policymakers,and the public to understand current trends and make informed decisions. Our recent findings reinforce the urgency of climate action and highlight the need for robust data to guide policies aimed at mitigating global warming.
Time.news Editor: ThereS concern that the phenomenon of El Niño, which peaked recently, contributed to these record temperatures. How do natural phenomena like El Niño interact with human-induced climate change?
Julien Nicolas: The interaction between natural phenomena like El Niño and human-caused global warming is complex. While El Niño has a natural warming affect, the current situation shows it compounded the effects of human-induced warming. Research indicates that lower cloud formation and melting ice in Antarctica are reducing the Earth’s capacity to reflect solar energy, further exacerbating the situation.
Time.news editor: As we move closer to 2025, what can we expect in terms of global temperature levels, and how can we prepare for potential impacts?
Julien Nicolas: If the current trajectory continues, record temperatures could persist into early 2025. The absence of natural moderation during this time raises concerns. Communities should prepare for extreme weather through enhanced infrastructure resilience and emergency preparedness plans. Awareness and proactive adaptation strategies will be crucial in mitigating the impacts of rising temperatures.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Julien, for providing your insights into this urgent issue. it’s clear that we must act decisively now to secure a sustainable future for our planet.
julien Nicolas: thank you for the opportunity to discuss these critical issues. Public awareness and engagement are essential in driving the necessary changes to combat climate change effectively.