WMO’s Climate Change Warning
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a critical warning regarding climate change. A recent report indicates a 70% likelihood that global temperatures will exceed the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels between 2025 and 2029. This alarming forecast comes as many countries are yet to submit their climate action plans for the next decade. The urgency for effective climate strategies has never been greater.
About the Temperature Threshold
The 1.5°C threshold was established at the Paris Agreement in 2015. It aims to limit the most severe impacts of climate change. Breaching this limit will lead to extreme weather events and ecological disruptions. The WMO report predicts that the annual average global near-surface temperature from 2025 to 2029 will be between 1.2°C and 1.9°C higher than the 1850-1900 average.
Recent Climate Trends
The year 2024 was recorded as the hottest year to date, surpassing the 1.5°C mark. The WMO forecasts an 80% chance that at least one of the next five years will exceed this record. Furthermore, there is a slim 1% chance of a year exceeding a 2°C increase in the same timeframe. Such trends highlight the urgency of climate monitoring and informed decision-making.
Impacts of Climate Change
Rising temperatures will have dire consequences. Increased heatwaves, extreme rainfall, and droughts are expected. Melting ice sheets and rising sea levels will threaten coastal communities. The WMO’s predictions indicate that Arctic warming will be over 3.5 times the global average, exacerbating these issues.
Regional Climate Predictions
The report also outlines regional climate expectations. The Sahel region in Africa, Northern Europe, Alaska, and northern Siberia are likely to experience wetter-than-average conditions. In contrast, the Amazon may face drier conditions. South Asia, which has been wetter than average recently, is expected to continue this trend until 2029, although individual monsoon seasons may vary.
Importance of Climate Monitoring
Continuous climate monitoring is essential. It provides decision-makers with the necessary data to adapt to the changing climate. The WMO emphasises that science-based tools are vital for effective climate strategies. Without these measures, the negative impacts on economies, ecosystems, and daily life will intensify.
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