Without urgent action, Earth is heading for climate catastrophe. Yet there are reasons for hope in 2024 – including a possible peak in global greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2024, global climate trends are cause for both deep alarm and cautious optimism. Last year was the hottest on record by a huge margin and this year will likely be hotter still. The annual global average temperature may, for the first time, exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels – a threshold crucial for stabilising the Earth’s climate.
Our planet in peril Last year, Earth was the hottest it’s been since records began. The onset of El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean helped drive global temperatures to new heights. The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service found 2023 was 1.48°C warmer than the pre-industrial average.
This year may be hotter still. There is a reasonable chance 2024 will end with an average global temperature more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Governments have agreed, through the Paris Agreement, to work together to limit global warming to 1.5°C, because warming beyond this threshold poses enormous dangers for humanity.
We have the technology needed to replace fossil fuels across our economy: in electricity generation, transport, heating, cooking and industrial processes. In fact, surging market demand for clean energy technologies – wind, solar, batteries and electric cars – is now displacing polluting technologies, such as coal-fired power and combustion engine vehicles, on a global scale.
China is currently the world’s biggest emitter, contributing 31% of the global total last year. But explosive growth in clean energy investments mean China’s emissions are set not only to fall in 2024, but to go into structural decline.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Biden Wins South Carolina Democratic Primary, Earns First Delegates of 2024Joe Biden is projected to win the South Carolina Democratic primary, securing his first delegates for the 2024 presidential election. This comes as the Democratic National Committee made changes to the primary calendar to address concerns about the lack of diversity in the early voting states. Iowa accepted the changes and opted for a mail-in caucus, while New Hampshire held a rogue contest alongside the Republican primary. As a result, New Hampshire was stripped of delegates for the 2024 convention.
Read more »
Abortion Becomes Central Issue in 2024 US ElectionsAbortion is shaping up to be a central issue for both parties in the 2024 US presidential and Congressional elections. The US Supreme Court overturned the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, leading to bans and restrictions in several states. This has sparked a heated debate and mobilization among Republicans and Democrats.
Read more »
Cricket Australia Awards 2024: Best and Brightest Attend GalaThe 2024 Cricket Australia Awards brought together the sport's top players and celebrities for a glamorous gala event.
Read more »
How to Save Big Money in 2024: A Three-Part Money-Saving ChallengeTéa Angelos, the founder and CEO of Smart Women Society, has created a three-part money-saving challenge to help people boost their bank balance in 2024. The key is to break the savings goal into smaller, manageable amounts based on monthly budgets and automate the savings process.
Read more »
Stormy Iowa Caucus: Republicans Gather to Choose Presidential CandidateRepublicans in Iowa brave blizzards to select their preferred candidate for the 2024 US presidential election.
Read more »
US Election 2024: Trump Wins Iowa Caucus, Secures GOP NominationFormer president Donald Trump wins the Iowa Caucus, securing the GOP nomination for the 2024 US election. The victory sends a clear message to the Republican Party and poses a challenge to Trump's GOP opponents.
Read more »