The year 2024 is projected to be the warmest year on record. This milestone marks the end of a decade characterised by extreme heat, primarily driven by human activities. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed this alarming trend. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres brought into light that the last ten years have seen the hottest temperatures ever documented.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather Events
Climate change has led to an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Recently, India experienced more intense climate-driven incidents compared to previous years. The WMO’s upcoming reports are expected to provide a detailed analysis of global temperature data and climate conditions.
Record-Breaking Rainfall and Floods
Recently, record rainfall resulted in catastrophic flooding in various regions worldwide. These floods caused damage to infrastructure and homes. The loss of life was tragic, affecting communities across continents.
Severe Heatwaves
Heatwaves reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with temperatures exceeding 50°C in some areas. This extreme heat posed serious health risks to populations and ecosystems. The WMO reported that climate change contributed to an additional 41 days of dangerous heat this year.
Wildfires and Biodiversity Loss
Wildfires ravaged large areas of forest in 2024, leading to substantial biodiversity loss. These wildfires not only destroyed habitats but also caused property damage. The impact on ecosystems was deep, affecting both flora and fauna.
Human Impact and Displacement
The consequences of climate change in 2024 were dire. Over 3,700 lives were lost due to extreme weather events. Millions were displaced as a result of catastrophic floods and wildfires. The urgency for climate action has never been clearer.
Future Initiatives
Looking forward, 2025 has been declared the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation. The WMO and UNESCO are leading efforts to protect the Earth’s cryosphere. These initiatives aim to mitigate the effects of climate change and preserve vital ecosystems.
Global Responses and Actions
The global response to climate change is critical. Countries are urged to take immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Every fraction of a degree of warming has implications for climate extremes and their associated risks.
Questions for UPSC:
- Examine the impact of climate change on global weather patterns in recent years.
- Discuss in the light of 2024’s extreme weather events, the significance of international cooperation in climate action.
- Critically discuss the role of human activities in exacerbating climate change effects.
- With suitable examples, analyse the relationship between biodiversity loss and climate change.
Answer Hints:
1. Examine the impact of climate change on global weather patterns in recent years.
- Increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events globally.
- Record-breaking temperatures, with 2024 projected as the warmest year ever.
- Intensified rainfall leading to catastrophic floods in various regions.
- Heatwaves reaching unprecedented levels, exceeding 50°C in some areas.
- Climate change contributing to additional days of dangerous heat and related health risks.
2. Discuss in the light of 2024’s extreme weather events, the significance of international cooperation in climate action.
- Extreme weather events in 2024 brought into light the global nature of climate change impacts.
- International collaboration is essential for sharing resources and strategies for mitigation.
- Global agreements can enhance funding for climate adaptation and disaster response.
- Collective action can lead to effective policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Cooperation encourages knowledge sharing and technological advancements in climate resilience.
3. Critically discuss the role of human activities in exacerbating climate change effects.
- Human activities, particularly fossil fuel combustion, increase greenhouse gas emissions.
- Deforestation and land-use changes contribute to biodiversity loss and carbon release.
- Industrial agriculture practices lead to soil degradation and increased methane emissions.
- Urbanization and infrastructure development exacerbate heat islands and resource depletion.
- Inadequate waste management and pollution further contribute to environmental degradation.
4. With suitable examples, analyse the relationship between biodiversity loss and climate change.
- Wildfires in 2024 destroyed habitats, leading to biodiversity loss.
- Extreme weather events disrupt ecosystems, affecting flora and fauna survival rates.
- Climate change alters habitats, forcing species migration and increasing extinction risks.
- Loss of biodiversity reduces ecosystem resilience, impacting services like pollination and water purification.
- Examples include coral bleaching due to rising ocean temperatures affecting marine biodiversity.
