2024 was the hottest year ever: Report

This was also the first year that temperature was more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial level

The year 2024 was the hottest year ever on record, according to a report by the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). This was also the first year that temperature was more than 1.5°C above the pre-industrial level, and global temperature records have been kept since 1850.

C3S found that the global average temperature of 15.10°C was 0.72°C above the 1991-2020 average, and 0.12°C above 2023, the previous warmest year on record. This is equivalent to 1.60°C above an estimate of the 1850-1900 temperature designated to be the pre-industrial level.

In fact, the monthly global average temperature exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for 11 months of the year, while the past ten years has also been the warmest decade on record, according to the report.

Warming up 

Region wise, all continents faced their warmest days last year, barring Antarctica and Australasia. The oceans, too, have warmed considerably, especially the North Atlantic Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the western Pacific Ocean,C3S. 

Season wise, it has been alarming, too, as 2024 saw three record-warm seasons for the corresponding time of the year: boreal winter (December 2023-February 2024), boreal spring (March-May) and boreal summer (June- August) at 0.78°C, 0.68°C and 0.69°C respectively above the 1991-2020 average.

“This record needs to be a reality check. The climate is heating to levels we’ve spent years trying to avoid because countries are still burning huge amounts of oil, gas and coal.“A year of extreme weather showed just how dangerous life is at 1.5°C. The Valencia floods, US hurricanes, Philippines typhoons and Amazon drought are just four disasters last year that were worsened by climate change. There are many, many more,” said Dr Friederike Otto, Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London.

Rise in extreme weather events

The report stat human-induced climate change as being the primary driver of extreme air and sea surface temperatures. Other factors, such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), also contributed to warming temperatures.

Such extreme temperatures have resulted in forest fires and led to heat stress, especially in tropical regions, where humidity levels are also high. The human body can suffer from overheating, said the report. 

Furthermore, the total amount of water vapour in the atmosphere reached a record high in 2024, at about 5% above the 1991–2020 average, found the report. This increased presence of moisture in the atmosphere in turn amplified the potential for extreme rainfall events. Combined with high sea surface temperatures, it contributed to the development of major storms, including tropical cyclones, according to the report.

“As South Asia grapples with the unprecedented temperature rise documented in the 2024 Global Climate Highlights, it is imperative to recognise the profound impact of this crisis on our region. With 2024 marking a critical threshold, we face heightened risks, including intensified heatwaves, flooding, and agricultural disruption. These climatic changes disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, magnifying existing socio-economic disparities,” said Professor Anjal Prakash, Clinical Associate Professor (Research) and Research Director, Bharti Institute of Public Policy, Indian School of Business.

“Immediate, evidence-based action is essential to mitigate these effects, embracing sustainable practices and policies prioritising climate resilience. The future of South Asia and the world hinges on our collective response to this stark reality—our time to act is now,” he said.

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