The UN's World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has declared 2024 as the hottest year on record, with global average temperatures soaring approximately 1.55 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Rising sea levels pose a significant threat to coastal populations, with projections indicating that by the end of the century, 73 million people could be at risk of flooding.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo described the record temperatures as a wake-up call regarding the risks to lives, economies, and the planet, while also emphasizing the importance of early warnings and climate services.

Extreme weather events in 2024 have led to significant global disruption, with the highest number of displacements in 16 years, contributing to worsening food crises and massive economic losses.

This alarming trend is accompanied by a doubling in the rate of sea level rise since satellite measurements began, with the past eight years recording peak ocean heat content, as oceans absorb about 90% of the heat from increased greenhouse gases.

The report underscores the severe and often irreversible impacts of climate change, including persistent sea-level rise and ocean warming, which are expected to last for hundreds to thousands of years.

Experts are calling for urgent leadership and action from governments and businesses, warning that without significant measures, the climate crisis will worsen.

The humanitarian crisis stemming from climate change is evident, with Brazil experiencing floods that displaced around 420,000 people and over 1 million affected in West and Central Africa.

Experts emphasize that delaying emissions reductions will exacerbate the climate crisis, with calls for an urgent phase-out of fossil fuels to protect lives and economies.

The cost of renewable energy has significantly decreased, making it a viable alternative to fossil fuels, which is crucial as the world transitions to cleaner energy sources.

The Arctic and Antarctic regions have experienced record lows in sea ice extent, with alarming trends in ice loss linked to climate change, raising concerns about future impacts.

Scientists warn that reversing recent climate changes could take hundreds or thousands of years, highlighting the urgency of immediate action to mitigate further impacts.