Seasonal Climate Update - Fall 2024

Climate Emergency Forum discusses the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) Global Seasonal Climate Update for Fall 2024 and alarming trends in global temperatures, with 2023 setting record highs and 2024 expected to surpass them.

This video was recorded on September 11th, 2024, and published on September 24th, 2024, and represents the opinions of the discussion participants.

The panel highlights the accelerating increase in greenhouse gas concentrations, ocean heat content, and sea level rise. The discussion emphasizes that almost all land areas are predicted to experience above-normal temperatures, with many regions also facing below-normal rainfall.

The conversation delves into specific regional impacts, noting that the Americas, Africa, the Mediterranean, and parts of Asia are likely to be most affected by above-normal temperatures and altered precipitation patterns. The panelists express particular concern about the rapid warming of the Southern Hemisphere, the intensification of heat waves, and the unprecedented burning of the Amazon rainforest. They also discuss the worsening ozone hole, which has reached record levels in recent years due to climate change-induced stratospheric cooling.

The dialogue concludes by highlighting some positive developments reported by the WMO, including a 50% increase in renewable energy implementation in 2023 compared to the previous year. However, the overall tone remains one of urgency, stressing the need for immediate action to mitigate climate change impacts. The speakers emphasize the importance of these climate reports as tools for decision-makers in various sectors and as early warning systems for potential climate anomalies or extreme weather events.

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