2024 poised to shatter global heat records, says EU climate agency

This year is almost certain to surpass 2023 as the hottest year ever recorded, pushing global temperatures above critical thresholds.

Al Jazeera reports.

In short:

• The Copernicus Climate Change Service says 2024 is set to be the hottest year on record, exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Records show this period may be the warmest the planet has experienced in 125,000 years.
• Global warming is driving extreme weather events, with carbon emissions from fossil fuels still rising.

Key quote:

"At this point, it is effectively certain that 2024 is going to be the warmest year on record."

— Copernicus Climate Change Service

Why this matters:

Exceeding the 1.5°C limit risks catastrophic consequences for the planet. Rising temperatures fuel severe floods, storms, droughts and wildfires, threatening lives and ecosystems. Urgent climate action is necessary to curb fossil fuel emissions and avoid irreversible damage.

Related:

• How extreme heat impacts disabled Americans differently
• Increasing emergency room visits due to heat illness in 2023
• Phoenix endures unprecedented 100 consecutive days of 100-degree heat