2024 has officially been the warmest year ever recorded, according to the latest State of the Climate report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This alarming milestone reflects the accelerated pace of climate change and its impacts on the planet, including the rise in sea levels and more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Rise in Sea Levels: A Global Phenomenon
The sea level has reached historic highs, doubling its growth rate since 1993. Currently, it is rising more than 3 millimeters per year, accumulating an increase of over 20 centimeters since the beginning of the 20th century. Although it may seem small, this global average increase implies severe consequences, such as:
- Increased coastal erosion and beach retreat.
- Destruction of dunes, leaving the coastline more vulnerable to coastal storms.
- Increase in flooding in inhabited areas.
The warming of the oceans, which absorb most of the heat trapped by greenhouse gases, also contributes to this problem, as water expands when heated.
Extreme Events: The Cost of Global Warming
The WMO report highlights a alarming increase in extreme weather events. During 2024, the following were recorded:
- 137 heatwaves.
- 114 episodes of heavy rainfall.
- 103 floods.
- 47 hurricane storms.
- 44 drought episodes.
These events displaced the highest number of people in a year since 2008, severely affecting vulnerable communities.
The 1.5ºC Threshold and the Paris Agreement
The planet is dangerously close to surpassing the global warming threshold of 1.5ºC established in the Paris Agreement.
Although this limit has not yet been consistently exceeded, scientists warn that all indicators point to a challenging path to meet the climate commitments made.
A Call to Action
The WMO report is an urgent reminder of the need to act against climate change.
Current trends not only highlight the devastating consequences of global warming but also underscore the importance of implementing effective and sustainable policies to mitigate these impacts and protect the future of the planet.
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