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UN Confirms 2024 as Hottest Year, Warns of 'Climate Breakdown' After Decade of Deadly Heat

Dec 30, 2024, 03:14 PM

2024 has been confirmed as the hottest year on record, marking the culmination of a 'decade of deadly heat' fueled by human activities, according to the United Nations. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that the top ten hottest years have all occurred in the past decade, including 2024, with emissions reaching new highs. Extreme weather events plagued the globe throughout the year, with heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires, and hurricanes causing widespread destruction. Hurricanes Milton and Helene, which struck the United States in the latter half of the year, Typhoon Yagi, and the floods in Valencia, Spain, were among the ten most costly disasters of 2024, collectively causing over $228 billion in damages and resulting in more than 2,000 deaths worldwide. The United States bore nearly half of the financial burden, while South-East Asia accounted for over 40% of the casualties. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that the world is facing a 'climate breakdown in real time' and urged countries to 'dramatically slash emissions' and support the transition to renewable energy in 2025. He emphasized, 'We have no time to lose,' calling for 2025 to be 'a new beginning.' WMO chief Celeste Saulo stressed that immediate action is necessary to mitigate the impacts of climate change and put the world on a safer path.