2024 Sees Record Heat as Climate Crisis Intensifies

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A recent report from World Weather Attribution and Climate Central reveals that 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record, marked by an average increase of 41 extra days of dangerously high temperatures globally. The findings indicate that human-induced climate change has significantly intensified weather patterns, with some regions, including Northern California, Southeast Asia, and West Africa, experiencing extreme heat for over 150 days.

The El Niño weather phenomenon contributed to these conditions, yet researchers emphasized that rising global temperatures were the primary cause. "Climate change made these events more likely and more intense," stated Friederike Otto, an author of the report. The extreme weather has already resulted in over 3,700 deaths and disrupted the livelihoods of millions.

Experts warn that if global temperatures surpass the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit set by the Paris Agreement, the frequency and severity of such events will only escalate. Jennifer Francis from the Woodwell Climate Research Center highlighted that without immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, extreme weather events will persist.

The report calls for urgent measures to bolster community resilience and transition towards renewable energy sources.

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