The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has released its final ‘State of the Global Climate’ report, projecting 2024 as the warmest year yet on record. Despite this, long-term warming is below the Paris limit, with a global mean near-surface temperature of 1.55 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900 average).

This offers hope that the Paris Agreement’s 1.5-degree Celsius goal remains achievable, though urgent action is needed. The report highlights that while long-term warming is below Paris limit targets, the planet faces escalating climate risks.

Key Findings from the WMO Report

Unprecedented heat in 2024 was recorded as the global mean near-surface temperature hit 1.55°C above the pre-industrial average, making 2024 the warmest year ever recorded.

The long-term warming status, averaged over decades, ranges from 1.34°C to 1.41°C above pre-industrial levels. This remains below the Paris Agreement’s critical 1.5°C threshold. A single year above 1.5°C is a warning sign, not a breach of long-term goals.

Drivers of this temperature surge can be traced to the rising greenhouse gas emissions and a shift from La Niña (cooling) to El Niño (warming) fueled the heat. Other factors include solar cycle shifts, a major volcanic eruption, and reduced cooling aerosols.

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Environmental Consequences

A carbon dioxide milestone has been reached as atmospheric CO2 levels reached their highest in 800,000 years, amplifying the greenhouse effect.

Accelerating sea levels have risen, and the rate of sea level rise has doubled since 1993, threatening coastal ecosystems and infrastructure with flooding and saltwater intrusion.

The Oceans have been overheating as they have absorbed 90% of excess heat from greenhouse gases, hitting record-high temperatures in 2024. This disrupts marine life, alters weather patterns, and contributes to rising sea levels.

Implications and Future Outlook

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said: “While a single year above 1.5°C doesn’t mean Paris goals are lost, it’s a wake-up call to rising risks for lives, economies, and the planet.”

UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged action: “The planet’s distress signals are clear, but limiting long-term warming to 1.5°C is still possible. Leaders must act now with new climate plans and renewables.”

The WMO stresses that immediate, concerted efforts—such as cutting emissions and transitioning to clean energy—can still keep warming below 1.5°C.

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