2024 first year to pass 1.5C global warming limit
By Mark Poynting, Erwan Rivault and Becky Dale
Global warming is nearing a critical point, as 2024 became the first calendar year with an average temperature of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, according to The European Copernicus Climate Service.
While it doesn’t mean the Paris Agreement target of keeping the long-term average below 1.5°C has been breached, it highlights how close we are to exceeding it. The rise in global temperatures is primarily caused by fossil fuel emissions, which continue to increase despite international agreements.
Climate scientist Ella Gilbert emphasized the devastating effects of global warming, pointing to events like the Los Angeles wildfires and the floods in Valencia. These disasters are a clear example of extreme weather becoming more frequent and dangerous.
However, she stressed it was not too late to act. Every reduction in emissions and degree of warming can significantly decrease the impact of future disasters. Action must come from governments, businesses, and individuals alike.
Fonte: Adaptado de BBC News. Disponível em: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd7575x8yq5o Acesso em: 15 jan 2025.