The United Nations issued a stark warning on Monday as COP29 negotiations commenced in Baku, stating that the objectives outlined in the Paris climate agreement are “in great peril,” while 2024 is poised to set new temperature records. This alarming perspective highlights the urgency of the climate crisis as global leaders gather to discuss potential solutions.
In a comprehensive report by the UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO), it has been revealed that the decade spanning from 2015 to 2024 is projected to be the warmest ever documented, based on a thorough analysis encompassing six international datasets. These findings underscore a worrying trend in global temperatures.
WMO chief Celeste Saulo sounded a critical “red alert” regarding the current state of global climate health, affirming her seriousness about the growing threats we face. “It’s another SOS for the planet,” she emphasized during a press conference in Baku, marking the dire urgency of the climate situation.
The accelerating warming trend is resulting in a rapid shrinkage of glaciers, contributing to rising sea levels, and provoking severe weather patterns that have devastated communities and economic systems globally. This situation fuels the need for immediate and impactful action from world leaders who are addressing climate change in Azerbaijan.
According to the WMO, the ambitions set forth in the Paris Agreement are facing unprecedented challenges as global leaders convene for these crucial talks. Under this landmark agreement, almost every country on Earth pledged to strive towards keeping global warming to “well below” two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and aimed to restrict it to below 1.5 degrees Celsius whenever feasible.
However, a critical assessment by the EU climate monitor Copernicus has already indicated that 2024 will likely surpass the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, a concerning indication of the unsustainable trajectory the world is currently on. While this situation does not represent an immediate infraction of the Paris Agreement—which assesses temperature trends over a span of decades—it serves as a stark warning that the international community is straying far from its climate goals.
The WMO’s data, which encompasses a wider array of statistics than previous analyses, also predicted that 2024 would breach the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit and potentially surpass the temperature record established just last year.
“Climate catastrophe is hammering health, widening inequalities, harming sustainable development, and rocking the foundations of peace. The vulnerable are hardest hit,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned in a statement, emphasizing the disproportionate impact climate change has on marginalized communities worldwide.
Research conducted by a team of international experts appointed by the WMO found that the long-term global warming rate currently stands at approximately 1.3 degrees Celsius when compared to the baseline period of 1850-1900, thereby underscoring the urgent need for effective climate action. “We need to act as soon as possible,” Saulo stated emphatically, advocating for the necessity to maintain our commitment to the 1.5 degrees Celsius objective.
While the report highlighted that greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere reached new heights in 2023 and are projected to escalate further this year, it underscores the critical challenges facing global efforts to mitigate climate change.
“Every fraction of a degree of warming matters, and increases climate extremes, impacts, and risks,” Saulo reiterated, focusing on the multifaceted nature of climate change beyond just temperature rises.
“Temperatures are only part of the picture. Climate change plays out before our eyes on an almost daily basis in the form of extreme weather,” she detailed, pointing to tangible examples of how climate dynamics affect nations worldwide.
Saulo highlighted the devastating impact of this year’s record-breaking rainfall and flooding events, stating they have led to tragic loss of life and extensive suffering for communities around the globe. She specifically referenced the “incredible amount of rain in Spain,” serving as a wake-up call regarding the enhanced water retention capacity of a warmer atmosphere.
She cautioned that the series of catastrophic extreme weather occurrences throughout the year represent “unfortunately our new reality,” indicating that such events may become more common in the future. These climatic phenomena, she asserted, serve as an unsettling “foretaste of our future.”
**Interview with Celeste Saulo, Chief of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Celeste. The UN has issued a stark warning as COP29 negotiations get underway in Baku. Can you elaborate on the significance of the statement regarding the Paris Agreement?
**Celeste Saulo:** Thank you for having me. The warning is dire. As we gather here for COP29, it is crucial to recognize that the goals set in the Paris Agreement are currently in great jeopardy. The evidence points toward a troubling trajectory for global temperatures, with 2024 likely to set new records. This situation demands our immediate attention.
**Editor:** The WMO’s report mentions that the decade from 2015 to 2024 is expected to be the warmest on record. What are the implications of this finding for global climates and people’s lives?
**Celeste Saulo:** The implications are profound. We are witnessing accelerated glacier melt, rising sea levels, and an increase in extreme weather events. These changes not only threaten ecosystems but also severely impact human health, economic stability, and global peace. Vulnerable communities are often the hardest hit, facing the brunt of these crises.
**Editor:** You mentioned a “red alert” for the planet. How do you see world leaders responding to this urgent message as they convene in Baku?
**Celeste Saulo:** I hope to see a strong commitment from our global leaders to take decisive action. The climate crisis cannot be overstated, and the time for half-measures has passed. We need impactful policies that align with the science and address the urgent threats we face, especially considering the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold is at risk.
**Editor:** Given that the Copernicus data suggests we could surpass the 1.5-degree limit in 2024, what actions or strategies should be prioritized during this COP29 conference?
**Celeste Saulo:** It’s essential to prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions significantly and swiftly. Additionally, we need to bolster support for adaptation strategies, particularly for the most vulnerable communities. Financing for sustainable development must also be increased to mitigate the impacts of climate change and facilitate a just transition to a low-carbon economy.
**Editor:** Lastly, what message would you like to convey to our audience as we navigate these critical times?
**Celeste Saulo:** My message is clear: the planet is sending us an SOS. Climate change is an existential threat, and we all have a role to play. It’s time for collective action—individuals, businesses, and governments must work together to create sustainable solutions. The future of our planet depends on the steps we take today.
**Editor:** Thank you, Celeste, for sharing your insights and the urgent call for action. We look forward to seeing how COP29 progresses and the commitments that come forth from it.
