The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has cautioned that 2024 is on track to be the hottest year recorded, driven by an intense El Niño event and rising greenhouse gases.

The WMO's report, released at the UN Climate Change Conference COP29, indicates that the global mean surface temperature from January to September 2024 was 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels.

This surpasses the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C climate threshold, emphasizing the urgency for action.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres stressed the severe impacts of climate change on health, inequality, and development.

He urged for immediate climate measures to shield vulnerable communities.

The report underscores an unprecedented rise in ocean heat content, affecting marine life and coastlines, with ocean temperatures at historic highs in 2023.

Sea levels continue to rise due to thermal expansion and glacier melt, presenting major risks for coastal areas.

The WMO notes a decrease in glacier volume, especially in Switzerland, highlighting a 10% loss within two years, urging adaptation in mountainous regions.

Extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and droughts are increasingly common, linked to climate change, leading to economic and humanitarian crises.

Record greenhouse gas concentrations were recorded in 2023, with CO2 levels reaching 420 ppm, emphasizing urgent emission reductions.

Polar ice is dwindling, with significant losses in Antarctic and Arctic regions contributing to global warming.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo advocates for adaptation strategies, including the Early Warnings for All initiative, with 108 countries having established a Multi-Hazard Early Warning System.

The WMO calls for decisive action to curtail emissions and fortify climate policies, aided by an international team tracking climate objectives in line with the Paris Agreement.