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Climate record in 2024 that changed the future of the planet

The year 2024 has gone down in history as the warmest on record, marking a dramatic change in global climate. Exceeding the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels for the first time confirms the gravity of the situation and the need for urgent action. As these climate changes create extreme events and affect the lives of millions, world leaders and experts warn that the future depends on the actions we take now. This article looks at the key data and climate records that have made 2024 an unprecedented year.


For the first time, the global average temperature exceeded the threshold of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. This threshold is particularly significant as it breaches the limits set by the Paris Agreement, which aims to keep global warming "well below 2°C" and ideally no more than 1.5°C. However, it seems this target has already been exceeded.

"Individual years exceeding the 1.5°C limit does not mean that the long-term goal is compromised. It means that we need to fight even harder to get back on track. Extreme temperatures in 2024 require revolutionary climate action in 2025," said UN Secretary-General António Guterres.

These conclusions are drawn from a new report by the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), published alongside 2024 analyses by NASA, NOAA, the UK Met Office and the World Meteorological Organization.

According to C3S, the global average temperature in 2024 was 15.1°C, equivalent to 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels. The organization points to climate change caused by human activities as the main reason for the rise in temperature, although phenomena such as El Niño have also had an influence.

"All international global temperature databases show that 2024 was the warmest year on record since measurements began in 1850. Humanity is in control of its own destiny and the response to climate challenges must be evidence-based. The future is in our hands - swift and decisive action can still change the trajectory of our climate," said Carlo Buontempo, C3S Director.

Climate records broken in 2024:
Average annual mean ocean surface temperature reached an all-time high of 20.87°C, exceeding the 1991-2020 average by 0.51°C.
Total atmospheric water vapor reached a record high, about 5% above the 1991-2020 average.
Every year from 2015-2024 is among the 10 warmest years on record.
2024 was the warmest year for all continents except Antarctica and Australia.
On July 22, 2024, the highest daily average global temperature was recorded: 17.16°C.
On July 10, 2024, "severe" or "extreme" heat stress reached a new record, affecting 44% of the planet, 5% more than the usual annual peak.
Atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide and methane hit record highs of 422 ppm and 1,897 ppb.

Samantha Burgess, climate strategic lead at the European Center for Climate Prediction, explained:
"Every year in the last decade is among the warmest on record. We are now on the verge of exceeding the 1.5°C threshold defined in the Paris Agreement, and the average of the last two years is already above this level. Record high global temperatures and record levels of water vapor in the atmosphere in 2024 have led to unprecedented heat waves and extreme precipitation, causing suffering for millions of people."

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