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https://theconversation.com/unprecedented-peril-disaster-lies-ahead-as-we-track-towards-2-7-c-of-warming-this-century-240549>
"You don’t have to look far to see what climate change is doing to the planet.
The word “unprecedented” is everywhere this year.
We are seeing unprecedented rapidly intensifying tropical storms such as
Hurricane Helene in the eastern United States and Super Typhoon Yagi in
Vietnam. Unprecedented fires in Canada have destroyed towns. Unprecedented
drought in Brazil has dried out enormous rivers and left swathes of empty river
beds. At least 1,300 pilgrims died during this year’s Hajj in Mecca as
temperatures passed 50°C.
Unfortunately, we are headed for far worse. The new
2024 State of the Climate
report, produced by our team of international scientists, is yet another stark
warning about the intensifying climate crisis. Even if governments meet their
emissions goals, the world may hit 2.7°C of warming – nearly double the Paris
Agreement goal of holding climate change to 1.5°C. Each year, we track 35 of
the Earth’s vital signs, from sea ice extent to forests. This year, 25 are now
at record levels, all trending in the wrong directions.
Humans are not used to these conditions. Human civilisation emerged over the
last 10,000 years under benign conditions – not too hot, not too cold. But this
liveable climate is now at risk. In your grandchild’s lifetime, climatic
conditions will be more threatening than anything our prehistoric relatives
would have faced.
Our report shows a continued rise in fossil fuel emissions, which remain at an
all-time high. Despite years of warnings from scientists, fossil fuel
consumption has actually increased, pushing the planet toward dangerous levels
of warming. While wind and solar have grown rapidly, fossil fuel use is 14
times greater.
This year is also tracking for the hottest year on record, with global daily
mean temperatures at record levels for nearly half of 2023 and much of 2024.
Next month, world leaders and diplomats will gather in Azerbaijan for the
annual United Nations climate talks, COP 29. Leaders will have to redouble
their efforts. Without much stronger policies, climate change will keep
worsening, bringing with it more frequent and more extreme weather."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
