Latest Developments in Global Climate Change - Issue 96

Latest Developments in Global Climate Change

Eliza Chan Man-yee

According to the latest data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2024 was the warmest year on record, with the global mean surface temperature about 1.55°C higher than pre-industrial levels, marking the first time this temperature difference has exceeded 1.5°C. The past decade (2015-2024) was also the world’s warmest decade on record.

In addition, the Arctic Report Card released by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that the arctic annual surface air temperatures from October 2023 to September 2024 ranked second warmest since 1900, and all 18 of the lowest September minimum ice extents have occurred in the last 18 years. Also, the Arctic sea ice extent fell to the lowest level in December on record.

Climate change is affecting various parts of the world, and the world must reduce carbon emissions soon and significantly to mitigate the impact of climate change.

Difference of global mean surface temperature compared to 1850-1900 average
(source: WMO).

Arctic sea ice extent in December (1978-2024)
(source: National Snow and Ice Data Center).