2024 Declared Hottest Year on Record: World Meteorological Organisation

The year 2024 has officially been declared the hottest year on record, according to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). A comprehensive report consolidating data from meteorological observatories in Britain, China, the EU, and the United States is set to be released at 5 p.m. Geneva time (1600 GMT), WMO spokesperson Clare Nullis confirmed.

Speaking at a news conference in Geneva, Nullis highlighted the alarming trends observed over the past year, saying:
"The WMO will later today confirm that 2024 was the hottest year on record. We saw extraordinary land and sea surface temperatures, extraordinary ocean heat, accompanied by very extreme weather affecting many countries around the world, destroying lives, livelihoods, hopes, and dreams."

The unprecedented heat levels were marked by a series of extreme weather events globally, including devastating droughts, catastrophic flooding, and intense storms. These events collectively underscored the urgent need for global action to address climate change and mitigate its far-reaching consequences.

The WMO's report, anticipated to include findings from leading regional climate monitoring agencies, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the impact of record-breaking temperatures. It will detail the combined effects of rising land and ocean temperatures and the role of intensified weather patterns in reshaping ecosystems and human livelihoods.

Experts warn that the consistent warming trend reflects the escalating impact of climate change, fueled by greenhouse gas emissions and other human activities. This record-setting year is likely to further influence global climate discussions and calls for accelerated efforts to transition to sustainable practices.

As the world grapples with the implications of the data, the findings serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for unified, decisive action to combat climate change and its growing threats.