2024 Marks Hottest Year on Record as Global Temperatures Surge

IN
Published:

The year 2024 has been officially recorded as the hottest year in history, with global average temperatures surpassing the crucial threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The average temperature in 2024 was measured at 1.6 degrees Celsius above the historical baseline from 1850-1900.

The past decade has shown a concerning trend, with all ten of the warmest years on record occurring within this timeframe. The European climate agency, Copernicus, reported that the global average temperature in 2024 reached 15.1 degrees Celsius, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the gravity of this situation, stating, "Today’s assessment from the WMO proves yet again – global heating is a cold, hard fact." He urged world leaders to take urgent action to combat climate change and to prepare for intensified extreme weather events in the coming years.

Climate experts have warned that the world is entering a new era of climate reality, characterized by more frequent and severe heatwaves, floods, and storms. They stress the need for immediate adaptation efforts and a transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.

The increasing sea temperatures have been identified as a significant factor contributing to the record high temperatures, with about 90% of excess heat from global warming being stored in the oceans. As this alarming trend continues, calls for substantial climate financing to support developing countries have grown louder, especially in the lead-up to the UN climate conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Without immediate and systematic global action, projections suggest a trajectory towards a potential 3 degrees Celsius warming by the end of the century, far surpassing the limits set by the Paris Agreement.

Weekly Newsletter

News summary by melangenews

Loading...

More from India

Child Labor and Forced Labor Uncovered in India's Cotton Fields

An investigation reveals alarming instances of child exploitation and forced labor among cotton pickers in India, particularly in the Madhya Pradesh region. According to the NGO Transparentem, which surveyed 90 farms over ten months, nearly half of them employ forced labor, affecting many children. Workers, often indebted to their employers, earn approximately 2.4 USD per day, leading entire families, including children, to harvest cotton to repay loans. The report highlights connections between these farms and major cotton suppliers like Pratibha Syntex and Remei Group, prompting brands such as Inditex and H&M to sever ties and join the Fair Labor Association to monitor conditions. Inditex stated their commitment to improving worker conditions in the sector, highlighting ongoing collaborations with organizations like the International Labour Organization to enforce labor rights. This investigation follows longstanding concerns from the U.S. State Department regarding labor practices in India’s cotton industry, emphasizing that modern slavery persists despite international efforts.
IN

Innovative Watch Saves Over 100,000 Newborns from Hypothermia

An innovative temperature-tracking watch, developed by Ratul Narain, has reportedly saved over 100,000 premature newborns from the threat of hypothermia, a leading cause of neonatal mortality. According to data, India had the highest number of preterm births in 2020, highlighting the urgent need for effective neonatal care. The device, known as Bempu, signals caregivers when a baby's body temperature falls to dangerous levels, helping prevent serious complications. Narain, who was raised in the U.S., dedicated himself to this cause after witnessing the challenges faced by premature infants. His work has gained recognition, being named one of TIME Magazine’s 25 Best Inventions. In interviews, Narain explained that the watch has not only transformed individual cases of neonatal care but has also set a precedent for future healthcare innovations in India. The Bempu watch's impact extends beyond national borders, as its implementation is being explored in various countries to enhance the survival rates of vulnerable newborns.
IN

Scientists Discover 'Dark Oxygen' in Pacific Ocean, Challenging Long-Standing Theories

Researchers have identified a unique phenomenon known as "dark oxygen" produced by certain rocks in the Pacific Ocean, challenging the conventional belief that oxygen generation is solely dependent on photosynthesis. According to the study, these polymetallic nodules, resembling coal piles at ocean depths, can generate oxygen through electrochemical reactions without sunlight. Traditionally, oxygen in the ocean has been understood to arise from marine plankton, algae, and bacteria that require sunlight for photosynthetic processes. This discovery indicates that oxygen can also be produced in environments where sunlight is absent, potentially supporting aerobic life in deep, oxygen-poor regions. The oxygen production occurs through interactions between the rare metal deposits on the ocean floor and saltwater, facilitating the splitting of water molecules (H2O) into hydrogen and oxygen. Researchers believe that this revelation expands our understanding of oxygen generation, potentially reshaping scientific theories regarding deep-sea ecosystems. The findings present a significant breakthrough in marine science, illustrating the complex interactions of geological and biological processes that govern life in the ocean's dark depths.
IN
All India News ->