The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed that 2024 marks the hottest year on record, with global surface temperatures exceeding the 1850-1900 average by 1.55 °C. This milestone signifies the first time the average world temperature surpassed the 1.5 °C threshold set by the Paris Agreement, aimed at preventing the most severe impacts of climate change, as emphasized by the WMO.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres described these findings as undeniable evidence of global warming and stressed the critical need for climate action in 2025 to prevent further exacerbation of the crisis. Although surpassing this threshold in a single year does not mean the Paris Agreement's goals have been breached, Guterres warned that the record temperatures of 2024 serve as a wake-up call for global leaders.
The Role of Oceanic Heat
A significant factor contributing to these extreme temperatures was the warming of the oceans. A study in the scientific journal Advances in Atmospheric Sciences revealed that ocean temperatures reached unprecedented levels, both at the surface and down to 2,000 meters in depth, fueling the overall increase in global heat. Between 2023 and 2024, oceanic heat content rose by 16 zettajoules, comparable to about 140 times the electricity generated worldwide in 2023. This oceanic warming not only impacts marine ecosystems but also intensifies extreme weather events and raises sea levels.
A Decade of Unprecedented Warmth
The WMO noted that the past decade has been the warmest on record, highlighting a concerning trend. These record temperatures have been accompanied by extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and glacier retreat, all exacerbated by record concentrations of greenhouse gases. Despite this alarming scenario, the WMO reiterated that exceeding the 1.5 °C threshold for a single year does not mean long-term temperature goals 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.
Cuba's Climate Anomalies in 2024
In Cuba, 2024 was notably scorching. In April, the Jucarito weather station in Granma province set an all-time high temperature record for the country at 40.1 degrees Celsius, marking the first time a temperature above 40 degrees Celsius was recorded in Cuba's meteorological history. However, in May, Cuba broke that record again within just a month. The new record occurred in the Bolivia municipality of Ciego de Ávila province, according to the Cuban Institute of Meteorology (INSMET).
The year 2023 was already the hottest in Cuba since 1951, according to the Climate Center of the Institute of Meteorology, with temperatures 1.38 degrees Celsius above the historical average for that variable.
Understanding the Implications of Rising Global Temperatures
What does it mean for a year to exceed the 1.5 °C threshold?
Exceeding the 1.5 °C threshold indicates that the average global temperature for that year has surpassed the limit set by the Paris Agreement to avoid the most severe effects of climate change. However, this is assessed over longer periods to determine if long-term goals are met.
How does ocean warming affect global temperatures?
Ocean warming contributes significantly to global temperature increases as oceans absorb a substantial amount of the Earth's heat. This warming affects marine life, intensifies weather phenomena, and contributes to rising sea levels.
Why are record temperatures in Cuba significant?
Record temperatures in Cuba are significant as they highlight the local impacts of global climate change, demonstrating how warming trends affect specific regions and their environments, economies, and public health.