As we reflect on 2023, marked as the hottest year on record, the projections for 2024 indicate a continued upward trend in global temperatures.
Scientists hold in account that the average global temperature for the upcoming year will fall between 1.34°C and 1.58°C above the pre-industrial average from 1850-1900.
Heightened Temperatures
Building on the momentum of 2023, where 81% of observers anticipate further temperature increases, there’s a prevailing sentiment that the world is heading towards even warmer conditions.
A notable majority (59%) envisions a shift towards spending more time working in traditional office settings rather than remote work.
The scientific community, led by Dr. Dunstone, has crafted a forecast aligning with the ongoing global warming trend of 0.2°C per decade.
Enhanced by a significant El Niño event, the estimate indicates a probability of two consecutive record-breaking years, with the noteworthy possibility of temporarily surpassing the 1.5°C threshold.
Will The Paris Agreement Be Useful?
Considering the Paris Agreement, initially signed in 2015, which aims to control and mitigate climate change effects, the more ambitious goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C appears increasingly crucial.
Also, research suggests that a quarter of the world may face heightened dry conditions, emphasizing the urgency of prioritizing stricter temperature controls.
The Paris Agreement emphasizes four main goals related to emissions reduction:
1. Maintain the increase in global average temperature well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels.
2. Aim to limit the increase to 1.5°C to significantly reduce climate change risks.
3. Recognize the need for global emissions to peak as soon as possible.
4. Undertake rapid emissions reductions in alignment with the best available science.
Failure to address climate change risks global temperatures soaring beyond 3°C, resulting in adverse impacts on every ecosystem. Climate-related threats, such as food and water scarcity, can escalate into conflicts, underscoring the importance of taking immediate action.
What Must Be Done
To combat climate change, a substantial increase in ambition is essential across various sectors, including energy, industry, transport, food, agriculture, and forestry.
While progress has been made globally, particularly in renewable energy investments, there’s an urgent need for transformative actions. The adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015 marked a significant step, but additional efforts are crucial to meet the outlined targets.
Businesses and investors play a pivotal role in ensuring emission reductions not only as a moral imperative but also as a strategic economic choice. As we navigate the complexities of climate change, proactive measures are imperative to secure a sustainable and resilient future.
Climate change facts for 2024.
Culled in by Fortune Omosola
