The year 2024 is projected to become the hottest year since the preindustrial period. This assessment comes from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). Analysis of data from the first ten months indicates a potential rise of 1.5°C above preindustrial averages. This would mark the second consecutive year of record-breaking temperatures.
Current Climate Data
The WMO has analysed various temperature datasets, confirming that 2024 is on track to be the warmest year on record. Data from multiple sources, including NOAA and NASA, support this conclusion. October 2024 recorded temperatures 1.65°C above preindustrial levels, making it the second warmest October since the late 19th century.
Temperature Trends
The global average temperature for the last 12 months was 0.74°C above the 1991-2020 average. This trend indicates an important increase in global temperatures. The first ten months of 2024 were 0.71°C warmer than the same period in 2023.
Impact on Weather Patterns
The rising temperatures have led to warmer ocean conditions, with average sea surface temperatures reaching 20.68°C in October. This increase in temperature contributes to heightened moisture levels in the atmosphere. As a result, extreme weather events have become more frequent and intense.
Recent Extreme Weather Events
Recent weather events illustrate the impact of climate change. Catastrophic floods in Spain resulted in over 200 fatalities. Hurricane Milton rapidly intensified in the Gulf of Mexico, devastating Florida. Cyclone Asna formed unusually on land, causing severe rainfall in parts of India.
Scientific
According to the Clasius-Clapeyron equation, a 1°C rise in global average temperature correlates with a 7% increase in atmospheric moisture. This relationship suggests that as temperatures continue to rise, extreme weather events will become increasingly severe and unpredictable.
Questions for UPSC:
- Critically analyse the implications of exceeding the 1.5°C temperature threshold for global climate agreements.
- Explain the role of ocean temperatures in influencing global weather patterns and climate change.
- What are the potential socio-economic impacts of increased extreme weather events due to climate change? Provide suitable examples.
- Comment on the significance of the Clasius-Clapeyron equation in understanding climate change effects on weather phenomena.
