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The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirmed that 2024 was the warmest year on record, with a global average surface temperature exceeding the average for the period 1850-1900 by 1.55 °C.
This milestone marks the first year in which the global average temperature exceeded the threshold of 1.5 °C, set in the Paris Agreement as a limit to avoid the most devastating effects of climate change, emphasized the WMO.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, described this data as irrefutable evidence of global warming and emphasized the urgency of taking climate action by 2025 to prevent the crisis from worsening.
Although surpassing the threshold in a specific year does not mean failing to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement, Guterres warned that the record temperatures of 2024 are a red flag for world leaders.
One of the key factors for reaching these extreme temperatures was the warming of the oceans.
According to a study published in the scientific journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, ocean temperatures reached unprecedented levels both at the surface and in the first 2,000 meters of depth, contributing to the overall increase in global heat.
Between 2023 and 2024, the heat content of the oceans increased by 16 zettajoules, which is equivalent to about 140 times the volume of electricity generated worldwide in 2023.
This warming not only affects marine ecosystems but also intensifies extreme weather events and raises sea levels.
The WMO pointed out that the last ten years have been the warmest ever recorded, reflecting a troubling trend.
These record temperatures have been accompanied by extreme weather phenomena, rising sea levels, and glacial retreat, exacerbated by record-high concentrations of greenhouse gases.
Despite this alarming outlook, the WMO reiterated that exceeding the threshold of 1.5 °C for a year does not mean that long-term temperature targets cannot be met, as these are assessed over longer periods.
However, every fraction of a degree matters, and any additional increase worsens the consequences for life, economies, and the environment.
In Cuba, 2024 was particularly hot. In April, the weather station in Jucarito, in the Granma province, set an absolute record for maximum temperature in Cuba by registering 40.1 degrees Celsius at 3:00 p.m..
It is the first time on record that a temperature over 40 degrees Celsius has been reported in Cuba.
However, in May, Cuba surpassed that figure for the second time in its history, and within just a month.
The registration took place in the municipality of Bolivia, in the province of Ciego de Ávila, according to sources from the Institute of Meteorology (INSMET) of Cuba.
The year 2023 was the hottest in Cuba since 1951, reported the Climate Center of the Meteorological Institute, as a temperature of 1.38 degrees Celsius above the historical average for that variable was recorded.
Frequently Asked Questions about Global Warming and the Heat Record in 2024
Why was 2024 the hottest year on record?
2024 was the hottest year on record due to the increase in the average global surface temperature, which exceeded the average from the period 1850-1900 by 1.55 °C. This increase is attributed to global warming, influenced by factors such as the rise in heat content in the oceans and record concentrations of greenhouse gases.
What does it mean to exceed the 1.5 °C threshold of the Paris Agreement?
Surpassing the threshold of 1.5 °C in a specific year does not mean failing to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, as these are evaluated over the long term. However, it is a warning signal regarding the impact of climate change and the urgent need for actions to mitigate its effects.
How did the heat record affect Cuba in 2024?
In Cuba, 2024 was particularly hot with record temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, setting new historical highs in April and May. These extreme conditions reflect the trend of global warming and its impacts on the island.
What role did the oceans play in the heat record of 2024?
The warming of the oceans was a key factor in the heat record of 2024, with unprecedented temperatures both at the surface and in the first 2,000 meters of depth. This phenomenon contributed to the overall increase in global heat and the intensification of extreme weather events.
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