LAHORE: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has officially confirmed that 2024 is the hottest year ever recorded.
According to the WMO report, the past decade (2015–2024) comprises the ten warmest years on record. Based on six international datasets, the last ten years have witnessed unprecedented temperature records.
For the first time, the global average temperature exceeded the 1850–1900 baseline by 1.5°C in a calendar year. In 2024, extraordinary temperature anomalies were observed on land and sea surfaces, accompanied by record-breaking ocean heat. A team of 54 scientists from seven countries and 31 institutions contributed to this study.
The report highlights that about 90% of the excess heat from global warming has been absorbed by the oceans. Between 2023 and 2024, the global upper 2000-meter ocean heat content increased by 1021 joules.
This alarming data suggests that the Paris Agreement’s long-term temperature target is now under severe threat before its projected timeline.
The WMO plans to release a comprehensive “State of the Global Climate 2024” report in March 2025, detailing key indicators of climate change. These will include greenhouse gas concentrations, surface temperatures, ocean heat, sea level rise, glacier loss, and changes in sea ice extent.
