2024 Marks First Year Exceeding 1.5 Degrees Celsius Temperature Increase

In an alarming development regarding climate change, 2024 has been marked as the first year where the global average temperature surpassed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900). According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), this significant increase was confirmed in the '2024 Global Climate Status Report,' published on March 19, 2025. The global average temperature reportedly rose to 1.55 degrees Celsius higher than the pre-industrial levels, crossing a critical threshold that was set during the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement aimed at curbing global warming.

The report highlights that the unprecedented increase in temperature is largely attributed to the effects of El Niño, a climate phenomenon that causes fluctuations in ocean temperatures. Notably, the WMO explained that the year 2024 experienced the highest sea surface temperatures observed since satellite monitoring began in 1993, demonstrating the significant impact of this phenomenon on climate extremes.

According to WMO's analysis, last year saw atmospheric concentrations of major greenhouse gases—such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide—reach levels not seen in 800,000 years. For instance, the concentration of carbon dioxide hit 420.0±0.1 ppm (parts per million), which is 151% of the pre-industrial level set in 1750 and represented a rise of 2.3 ppm from the previous year. Similarly, methane levels surged to 1934±2 ppb (parts per billion), an alarming 265% increase compared to pre-industrial times.

Moreover, the WMO’s report emphasized that ocean warming is likely to persist throughout the 21st century. In fact, ocean heat content has been growing at an alarming rate, with the warming speed in the last 20 years being over double that of the period from 1960 to 2005. This shift in patterns raises fears about continued climate instability and the potential repercussions for ecosystems and human society.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, reflecting on the dire state of climate trends, stated, “Limiting long-term global temperature levels to below 1.5 degrees is still possible.” He called for a collective global effort through the upcoming '2035 National Determined Contributions' (NDC), urging every country to align their climate commitments to combat this rising threat.

Echoing this sentiment, Celeste Saulo, the WMO Secretary-General, cautioned that while improvements have been made in climate response, “we are making progress, but we need to go faster.” WMO analysis indicates that currently, only half of global nations have adequate early warning systems in place to address climate-related risks.

The ‘2024 Global Climate Status Report’ also mentioned that extreme weather events have resulted in the displacement of the highest number of people since 2008. With increasing occurrences of typhoons, droughts, and heavy rains, 18 countries have witnessed worsening food crises as a direct consequence of climate unpredictability.

The findings presented by the WMO were both alarming and pivotal, marking a turning point in climate science and policy. As global temperatures rise beyond the limits set in international agreements, it emphasizes the urgent need for action across nations to mitigate the effects of climate change successfully.

Indeed, the report indicates that between 2022 and 2024, there was a significant drop in glacier mass, with the largest losses seen in recorded history. In more recent data, it is noted that the global average sea level has also reached heights unmatched since satellite observations began in 1993, with the sea level rising at a yearly rate of 4.7 mm, five times faster than the previous decades.

As world leaders convene for climate summits, the pressure mounts to implement effective strategies that align local actions with global objectives. Should the trends outlined in the report continue unchecked, human and natural systems may face severe consequences, jeopardizing food security, public health, and biodiversity worldwide.

In light of this dire climate report, humanity finds itself at a critical crossroads. The ability to alter the current trajectory requires not only awareness but a collective push towards sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship. Time is of the essence, and every measure taken now could yield benefits that extend far beyond immediate climate goals.