2024 is the first year exceeding 1.5°C global warming, with global temperatures 1.6°C warmer than the planet’s average yearly temperature during the 1850-1900 “pre-industrial period,” according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) of the European Union. The British Met Office verified this milestone, which predicted a slightly lower annual average temperature of 1.53°C.

Every month in 2024 ranked as the hottest or second-warmest for that month since records began, according to C3S Director Carlo Buontempo, who called the pattern “incredible.” Although growing greenhouse gas emissions indicate the world is on course to surpass the 1.5°C threshold set by the 2015 Paris Agreement, which analyses longer-term averages, this violation does not negate that aim. “It’s not a done deal,” Buontempo said, underscoring the urgency of swift carbon reductions. “We have the power to change the trajectory from now on.”

Escalating Climate Impacts Felt Globally in 2024

Extreme weather events caused devastation across continents, demonstrating the impacts of climate change. While comparable tragedies tore through Bolivia and Venezuela, wildfires in California destroyed hundreds of houses and claimed at least five lives. Heatwaves in Saudi Arabia and Mexico resulted in hundreds of deaths, while torrential floods ravaged Sudan, Nepal, and Spain.

The U.S. experienced 24 climate-related catastrophes in 2024, each of which caused losses above $1 billion due to storms growing stronger and excessive rainfall being triggered by a record quantity of water vapor in the atmosphere. Among the most catastrophic occurrences were Hurricanes Milton and Helene.

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Challenges in Addressing the Climate Crisis

In many countries, the political will to address climate change weakened, despite scientific warnings and an increase in natural disasters. Chukwumerije Okereke, a professor of global climate governance, described the 1.5°C milestone as a “rude awakening” for political players to take decisive action. He chastised countries for not fulfilling their obligations under the Paris Agreement.

2024 is the first year exceeding 1.5°C global warming, with atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations reaching a record high of 422 parts per million. Despite shifting to the cooler La Niña trend, Zeke Hausfather of Berkeley Earth predicted that 2025 will also be among the top three warmest years, even if El Niño contributed to the temperature spike.

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