The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently released its provisional State of Global Climate report for 2022. This annual report offers a crucial insight into the current state of our climate, using key indicators and reporting on extreme events and their impacts. The full report is expected to be published in April 2023.
World Meteorological Organization and Its Role
Established on March 23, 1950, the WMO is an intergovernmental organization comprised of 192 Member States and Territories, including India. It evolved from the International Meteorological Organization, which was founded after the 1873 Vienna International Meteorological Congress. As a specialized agency of the United Nations, the WMO focuses on meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology, and related geophysical sciences. The organization’s headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland.
Highlights of the WMO’s State of the Global Climate Report
The 2022 report indicated record high concentrations of three main greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide, methane, and Nitrous oxide. Methane, which is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in causing global warming, saw the fastest growth rate ever.
In terms of temperature, it was noted that 2015 to 2022 are predicted to be the eight warmest years on record. The global average temperature in 2022 is estimated to be about 1.15 °C above the 1850-1900 average.
Significant changes were observed in glaciers and ice. In the European Alps, glacier melt records were shattered in 2022. Switzerland lost 6% of its glacier ice volume between 2021 and 2022.
Sea level rise was another serious issue highlighted in the report. The global mean sea level has risen by an estimated 3.4 ± 0.3 mm per year over the past 30 years (1993-2022).
The report also highlighted that 55% of the ocean surface experienced at least one marine heatwave in 2022, a stark increase compared to past years. Furthermore, extreme weather events were notably more frequent and intense.
Steps Taken to Tackle Climate Change
In response to the threats posed by climate change, various national and global initiatives have been launched. In India, the National Action Plan to Combat Climate Change (NAPCC) and the India Cooling Action Plan were implemented.
On a global scale, efforts include the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit the rise in global temperatures to 2°C or ideally 1.5°C compared to pre-industrial times. The UN has also set 17 broad goals for achieving sustainable development, including Goal 13 which focuses exclusively on tackling climate change.
The Glasgow Pact, adopted by 197 parties in 2021 during the COP26 negotiations, emphasized that stronger action in the current decade was most critical for achieving the 1.5-degree target.
The Urgent Need for Action
Moving forward, it is clear that bold policies and solutions are urgently needed to transform the way resources are produced and consumed. A people-centered approach is crucial to create new jobs, improve access, affordability, and build a cleaner, greener living environment.
Last Modified: February 18, 2024