Earth Breaches 1.5°C Limit for the First Time in 2024

In a landmark event for climate change, 2024 became the first year in recorded history when the mean global temperature exceeded the critical 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels, as reported by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). This breach marks a dangerous trajectory for global warming, bringing humanity closer to a point of no return. Climate experts warn that if this trend continues without drastic emission cuts, global temperatures could exceed the 2°C limit by 2050, with devastating consequences for ecosystems, economies, and human livelihoods.

Key Highlights of the Report

Record Breaking Global Temperatures in 2024

• 2024 marked the first time global temperatures breached 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
• The annual average global temperature was 15.1°C, making 2024 the warmest year on record.
• It was 1.60°C higher than pre-industrial levels (1850-1900) and 0.72°C above the 1991-2020 average.
• Each month from January to June 2024 was warmer than any corresponding month in history.
• July 22, 2024, was recorded as the hottest day ever, with a global temperature of 17.16°C.

Sea Surface Temperature (SST) Records

• The annual average sea surface temperature in 2024 was 20.87°C, the highest ever recorded.
• SSTs were at record levels for the time of year from January to June 2024.
• From July to December 2024, SSTs were the second warmest on record, after 2023.

The Role of El Nino

• The El Niño phenomenon, which began in June 2023, contributed to the record temperatures in 2024.
• El Niño causes warming of the Central Equatorial Pacific Ocean, influencing global climate patterns.
• The anticipated La Niña cooling effect did not materialize in 2024.

Climate Implications for Developing Economies

• Developing economies are more vulnerable to climate disasters like floods, droughts, and heatwaves.
• Failed climate talks at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, highlight the challenge of securing financial support for mitigation efforts.
• Experts warn that developing countries will need to divert more funds to deal with climate impacts, affecting their mitigation ambitions.

The Urgent Need for Emissions Reductions

• Scientific assessments say global greenhouse gas emissions must peak before 2025 and decline by 43% by 2030 to prevent catastrophic warming.
• Current commitments by countries would only achieve a 2.6% reduction in emissions by 2030.
• In 2023, 53 billion tonnes of carbon emissions were recorded, with year-on-year increases (except for 2020, due to the pandemic).

Warnings from Climate Experts

• Roxy Mathew Koll, climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, warns that there is no going back from this trajectory unless there is serious global action on carbon emissions.
• Joeri Rogelj, Director of Research at the Grantham Institute, emphasizes that every fraction of a degree increase causes more harm to people and ecosystems.
• Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Senior Fellow at CEEW, highlights that developing economies will suffer the most from climate disasters without financial support from wealthier nations.