International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List or equivalent biodiversity reports

EU Scientists Confirm 2024 as Hottest Year, Warn of Species Extinction

Dec 9, 2024, 08:07 AM

European Union scientists have confirmed that 2024 is effectively certain to be the hottest year on record, surpassing the previous record set in 2023. According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, global average temperatures for 2024 are expected to exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels for the first time, crossing the critical threshold established by the Paris Agreement. November was the second-warmest on record, further indicating an upward trend in global temperatures. Scientists attribute this unprecedented warming to factors such as decreased cloud cover over the past two years, allowing more sunlight to reach and heat the Earth's surface. Additionally, scientists warn that habitat destruction and industrial emissions have triggered feedback mechanisms that could lead to the rapid extinction of 30-70% of Earth's species in the 21st century. The extraordinary high temperatures are expected to persist into at least the first few months of 2025.