2024 was the hottest year on record, driven by climate change and El Niño. While El Niño is weakening, experts warn that greenhouse gas emissions will keep global temperatures high in 2025. Without action, extreme heat and weather events may persist, making climate preparedness crucial.
In 2024, the world experienced its hottest year on record, with global temperatures reaching 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels. This unprecedented heat was driven by human-induced climate change and an intense El Niño event. ft.com
Extreme Heatwave: Why 2024 is the Hottest Year?
Looking ahead to 2025, while the El Niño is expected to weaken, potentially transitioning to a La Niña phase, scientists caution that global temperatures will likely remain high. The persistence of greenhouse gas emissions drives long-term warming trends, suggesting that 2025 could still rank among the hottest years recorded. ft.com
The recent dismissal of key climate scientists and reductions in climate research funding in the U.S. may hinder the ability to accurately forecast and prepare for extreme weather events. This underscores the importance of continued investment in climate science to understand and mitigate the impacts of global warming. theguardian.com
Despite potential short-term cooling influences, the overarching trend of rising global temperatures due to human activities suggests that 2025 is poised to be another exceptionally warm year.
