Climate change: The hottest year

With temperatures at all-time high in 2023, 2024 will be pivotal in reducing emissions, without compromising developmental needs

The Urgency of Climate Action

Eight years post-COP 21, the global community finds itself on the brink of a climate catastrophe, as the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit set in Paris comes under threat. The alarming rise in temperatures, escalating extreme weather events, and a grim forecast for 2024 demand immediate and comprehensive action.

Alarming Temperature Trends in 2023

1.1: A Year of Records

In 2023, global temperatures soared perilously close to the critical 1.5 degrees Celsius limit, reaching an average of 1.46 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by November. Unprecedented heatwaves marked every month since June, with two days in November surpassing 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

1.2: World Meteorological Organisation's Verdict

The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has unequivocally declared 2023 as the warmest year on record. This alarming confirmation intensifies concerns about the irreversible trajectory of climate change.

The Impending Heat Surge in 2024

El Niño's Role

The WMO's provisional State of the Global Climate Report highlights the role of the warming El Niño event in 2023, set to exacerbate global temperatures in 2024. Experts anticipate a further spike in temperatures after the El Niño peaks, underlining the urgent need for proactive measures.

Critical Juncture for Climate Change

While the scientific community debates whether we've reached a point of no return, there is consensus that the next seven years will be pivotal in reducing emissionsand mitigating the escalating climate crisis.

Renewable Energy Progress and Storage Challenges

Positive Signs in Renewable Energy

Encouragingly, the International Energy Agency forecasts that over 35% of the world's electricity will be generated from renewables by 2025. However, the challenge lies in ensuring consistent power supply when renewable sources are intermittent.

Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Council

At COP21 in Glasgow, nations acknowledged the necessity of Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES)technologies. The LDES Council was established to facilitate the commercialization of these technologies, despite many still being in the pilot stage. However, the market for such solutions is in its infancy, and cost competitiveness remains a significant hurdle.

Building Resilience Amidst Climate Uncertainty

Beyond Emissions: Building People's Resilience

Acknowledging the imperative for policymakers to address climate vulnerabilities, experts emphasize the importance of resilient measures. These include building sea walls, enhancing weather alert systems, upgrading urban drainage, installing irrigation systems, and promoting climate-adaptive crop choices.

Balancing Development and Climate Action

As the planet heats up, a delicate balance must be struck to address vulnerabilities without compromising developmental needs. Policymakers face the challenge of uplifting communities out of poverty while simultaneously adapting to a changing climate.

Way Forward: A Call for Urgent, Global Action

• The 2023 temperature records and the looming threat of 2024 emphasize the urgency of decisive global action.
• Policymakers, scientists, and the public must collaborate to reduce emissions, accelerate the adoption of renewable energy, and build resilience to navigate the challenges posed by an increasingly unpredictable climate.
• The coming years will define our ability to address the climate crisis and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.