· 2 min read
illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on CNN or enjoy below:
🗞️ Driving the news: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed that the last decade was the hottest on record, with 2024 setting a new global heat record
• The report highlights that greenhouse gas concentrations are at their highest in 800,000 years, pushing global temperatures closer to the 1.5°C threshold of the Paris Agreement
• Scientists warn that despite these alarming findings, global leaders have shown little urgency in addressing the crisis
🔭 The context: 2024 was the first year when global temperatures likely surpassed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, though not permanently
• Rising ocean temperatures have led to severe coral bleaching, intensified storms, and accelerated sea ice loss
• The report also confirms that the rate of sea-level rise has doubled since satellite monitoring began in 1993, reaching a record high in 2024
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The climate crisis is already displacing millions, with 2024 marking the highest number of climate-related displacements since 2008
• Coastal communities face increasing risks from flooding, erosion, and saltwater intrusion due to rising sea levels
• Scientists stress that without urgent and decisive action, these trends will only worsen, making adaptation and mitigation efforts even more challenging
⏭️ What's next: UN Secretary-General António Guterres insists that limiting warming to 1.5°C is still possible, but only if world leaders take immediate and bold action
• The WMO urges governments to expand early-warning systems, as only half of all countries currently have adequate disaster preparedness measures
• Scientists argue that achieving net zero emissions is no longer enough—more drastic interventions are necessary to curb the accelerating climate crisis
💬 One quote: "How much more do we need to scream and shout that climate change is happening, it’s because of us, and without any serious action, it’s only going to get worse?" — Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, Australian National University
📈 One stat: The rate of sea-level rise has doubled from 2.1mm per year (1993-2002) to 4.7mm per year (2015-2024).
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