The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has issued a stark warning in its latest report, confirming that 2024 was the hottest year ever recorded with global temperatures surpassing 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time. The findings highlight worsening climate conditions, including rising sea levels, record ocean warming, and extreme weather events leading to widespread displacement and economic losses.
According to the report, the global mean temperature in 2024 was 1.55 ± 0.13°C above the 1850-1900 average, marking a devastating milestone in human-induced climate change. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo described the findings as an “urgent warning sign” rather than a definitive failure of the Paris Agreement goals, emphasizing that every fraction of a degree of warming increases risks to human life, economies, and ecosystems.
Rising Greenhouse Gas Levels and Ocean Heat
The report confirms that carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations reached an alarming 420.0 ppm in 2023, the highest level in 800,000 years. Methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O) levels also surged, intensifying the greenhouse effect and leading to more frequent and severe weather extremes.
Oceans absorbed 90% of excess heat, setting a new record for ocean heat content in 2024. The warming rate of oceans has more than doubled since 2005, contributing to coral reef destruction, marine biodiversity loss, and more powerful storms.
Accelerating Sea Level Rise and Glacier Melt
Global sea levels continued their rapid rise in 2024 reaching the highest levels ever recorded. The annual rate of sea level rise has doubled since the 1990s, threatening coastal cities and small island nations with severe flooding and freshwater contamination.
Glacier melt reached unprecedented levels, with Arctic sea ice declining for the 18th consecutive year and Antarctic ice cover hitting record lows. Melting glaciers in the Himalayas, Alps, and Andes further endanger water security for millions of people reliant on seasonal meltwater.
Extreme Weather and Widespread Displacement
2024 saw devastating weather events across the globe:
- Tropical Cyclones: Storms like Typhoon Yagi (Asia) and Hurricanes Helene and Milton (U.S.) caused billions in damages and widespread evacuations.
- Floods & Droughts: Historic flooding and prolonged droughts led to food shortages, particularly in Africa and South Asia.
- Wildfires: Record wildfires in Canada, Greece, and Australia destroyed millions of hectares of forests, displacing thousands.
The WMO reported that climate-related disasters in 2024 resulted in the highest number of displacements in 16 years, underscoring the urgent need for disaster preparedness and climate resilience strategies.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the importance of immediate global action, urging world leaders to submit more ambitious climate plans and accelerate the shift to renewable energy.
“Our planet is issuing distress signals,” Guterres stated. “But if we act now, we can still limit long-term warming to 1.5°C.”
Despite the grim outlook, the WMO report highlights the critical role of climate adaptation measures, including stronger early warning systems and increased investments in sustainable technologies. However, with only 50% of countries equipped with adequate disaster preparedness systems, urgent global cooperation is needed to prevent further catastrophic impacts.
As 2025 begins, the world stands at a crossroads. The next decade will determine the fate of the planet, and failure to act decisively could push climate change beyond human control.