background image

‘It’s not game over – it’s game on’: why 2024 is an inflection point for the climate crisis

author image

By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The Conversation or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: In 2024, global climate trends indicate both deep alarm and cautious optimism
2023 was the hottest year on record, and 2024 is projected to be even hotter, potentially surpassing the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels
Despite these alarming trends, there is hope as global greenhouse gas emissions may peak this year, signaling a possible end to the fossil fuel era

🔭 The context: The record-breaking temperatures have led to extreme weather events worldwide, including heatwaves, wildfires, and heavy rain
The warming oceans, a significant heat store, indicate an accelerating warming rate
Meanwhile, COP28 discussions and technological advancements in clean energy provide a counterbalance to these alarming trends

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Crossing the 1.5°C threshold poses enormous dangers, including irreversible tipping points like the loss of polar ice sheets and collapse of major ocean currents
The transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy is crucial for mitigating these risks and preventing catastrophic climate change

⏭️ What's next: The shift towards clean energy needs to accelerate to avoid catastrophic warming
Although emissions may have peaked, they must be reduced by half by 2030 to meet the Paris Agreement targets
This shift requires massive global efforts in renewable energy adoption and phasing out fossil fuels

💬 One quote: "The task [to reduce emissions] is monumental, but possible" (Wesley Morgan, Research Fellow, Griffith Asia Institute)

📈 One stat: In 2023, the world added 510 billion watts of renewable energy capacity, 50% more than in 2022


Click for more news covering the latest on climate change

Did you enjoy this illuminem voice? Support us by sharing this article!
author photo

About the author

illuminem's editorial team - providing you with concise summaries of the most important sustainability news of the day.

Follow us on Linkedin, Twitter​ & Instagram

Other illuminem Voices


Related Posts


You cannot miss it!

Weekly. Free. Your Top 10 Sustainability & Energy Posts.

You can unsubscribe at any time (read our privacy policy)