2024 is the hottest year ever recorded, and it's our fault
- Moscow's average temperature hit a record high of 8.2 degrees Celsius in 2024, surpassing the previous record set in 2020.
- UN reports indicate that the entire year was marked by extreme weather conditions and rising greenhouse gas emissions.
- Experts warn that immediate action is necessary to mitigate the impacts of climate change and prevent further temperature increases.
In 2024, Moscow experienced unprecedented high temperatures, reaching an annual average of 8.2 degrees Celsius, making it the warmest year in the city’s 245-year history of meteorological observations. This significant rise in temperature is attributed to stationary anticyclones and weather front influences over central Russia. While January and May were notably colder, the remaining months exhibited significant warmth, especially September, which recorded an average temperature of 17.9 degrees Celsius, exceeding the climate norm by 5.7 degrees Celsius. The previous record for Moscow was set in 2020 at 8 degrees Celsius. The year 2024 has been characterized by extreme weather events globally, as highlighted in a United Nations report. The World Meteorological Organization predicted that this emerging trend of rising temperatures stems from the cumulative effects of climate change over the past decade. In addition to the recorded heat, unprecedented rainfall and flooding occurred across various regions, leading to a significant humanitarian and economic toll. Tropical cyclones and severe heat waves affected numerous countries, some exceeding temperatures of 50 degrees Celsius, resulting in wildfires and other catastrophic weather events. The ongoing emissions of greenhouse gases have reached record highs, contributing to the relentless rise in global temperatures. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the situation as a “climate breakdown,” emphasizing the urgent necessity for countries to prioritize sustainable practices and a transition to renewable energy solutions. As of now, the World Meteorological Organization is preparing to release its consolidated global temperature data for 2024. This forthcoming report is likely to solidify the understanding of the dire climate situation and the need for collective global action to combat climate change effectively. The pressure is mounting for all countries involved to adhere to the Paris climate accords aimed at drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting the global temperature rise.