popular articles

A global warming record with 1.55°C in 2024, the UN calls for urgent measures

In 2024, the global average temperature exceeded 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels, a historical record. Natural disasters are intensifying, and the UN urges immediate action to counter their growing impacts.

Please share:

Global temperatures have reached an unprecedented milestone in modern history. In 2024, the planet’s average temperature rose to 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels, surpassing the critical 1.5°C threshold established by the Paris Agreement. This estimate, published by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), is based on the analysis of six international databases.

This crossing marks an alarming step in a decade characterized by heat records, fueled by the continued use of fossil fuels. The UN has called for immediate and innovative measures to mitigate the impacts of this warming, described by its Secretary-General António Guterres as an unprecedented global challenge.

Disasters on a global scale

Behind these figures lie devastating climate impacts across the globe. In California, fires labeled the “most destructive in history” caused considerable damage, while West Africa suffered record floods, putting millions in hardship.

In Saudi Arabia, extreme heat waves led to more than 1,300 deaths during the Hajj pilgrimage. The Caribbean and the United States were struck by hurricanes of unprecedented intensity, such as Helene, which caused massive destruction. These extreme events generated global economic losses estimated at $320 billion in 2024, according to reinsurer Munich Re.

A critical but temporary threshold

Despite this record warming, WMO experts highlight that a single year exceeding the 1.5°C threshold does not signify the complete failure of the Paris Agreement’s objectives, which aim for long-term stabilization of temperatures. However, this peak reflects a concerning trend.

The natural El Niño phenomenon, which promotes global warming, contributed to this record. However, scientists emphasize that the bulk of the temperature increase is due to human activity, particularly the continued use of coal, oil, and gas.

In 2025, the opposite phenomenon, La Niña, may result in a slight temporary cooling, but according to forecasts from the WMO and NASA, this will not suffice to reverse the current warming trajectory.

Oceans on the front line

Oceans, which absorb 90% of excess heat, continue to break alarming records. In 2024, their average surface temperature reached 20.87°C, exceeding the previous record set in 2023. This warming directly threatens marine ecosystems, such as coral reefs and fish stocks, while amplifying extreme weather events like hurricanes and storms.

Beyond immediate impacts on biodiversity, this oceanic warming affects marine and atmospheric currents, contributing to global climate disruptions. The scientific community stresses the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate these effects.

Insufficient commitments

The COP29, held in November in Baku, revealed limited progress. Although financial targets for climate were established, discussions on phasing out fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions did not result in significant commitments.

Experts from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasize that limiting warming to 1.5°C rather than 2°C could significantly reduce the most catastrophic impacts of climate change. However, global efforts remain insufficient to achieve these goals.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

The head of Framatome will be heard on 30 April by both chambers to validate his nomination to lead EDF, following the non-renewal of Luc Rémont by the executive.
Following a series of major electricity outages on the island of Upolu, the Samoan government has declared a state of emergency to prioritise essential services and mobilise foreign aid.
Following a series of major electricity outages on the island of Upolu, the Samoan government has declared a state of emergency to prioritise essential services and mobilise foreign aid.
The Minister of Industry and Energy expressed openness to a debate and a vote on the 2025–2035 energy strategy, amid criticism from opposition parties over the lack of democratic consultation.
The Minister of Industry and Energy expressed openness to a debate and a vote on the 2025–2035 energy strategy, amid criticism from opposition parties over the lack of democratic consultation.
France’s Ministry of Industry and Energy postpones the 2025 energy voucher to November, citing delayed budget approval and announcing revised allocation rules.
France’s Ministry of Industry and Energy postpones the 2025 energy voucher to November, citing delayed budget approval and announcing revised allocation rules.
France’s decarbonisation pace slowed significantly in 2024, according to Citepa, putting its 2030 climate targets at risk.
Luc Rémont was dismissed as head of EDF by the French executive due to disagreements over industrial contract strategy and financing of the EPR2 nuclear programme.
Luc Rémont was dismissed as head of EDF by the French executive due to disagreements over industrial contract strategy and financing of the EPR2 nuclear programme.
Just Stop Oil will end its high-profile actions after one of its core demands was integrated into the British government's energy policy.
Just Stop Oil will end its high-profile actions after one of its core demands was integrated into the British government's energy policy.
The surge in solar production and the slow upgrade of electricity infrastructure are blocking thousands of projects in the Netherlands, affecting energy security and consumer costs.
The surge in solar production and the slow upgrade of electricity infrastructure are blocking thousands of projects in the Netherlands, affecting energy security and consumer costs.
The development of French power grids is facing a structural shortage of skilled labour, despite €200bn in projected investments by 2040.
Luc Rémont's departure exposes ongoing disagreements between EDF and the French State over electricity pricing for industry and the financing terms of the nuclear programme.
Luc Rémont's departure exposes ongoing disagreements between EDF and the French State over electricity pricing for industry and the financing terms of the nuclear programme.
The European Investment Bank approves a final tranche of PLN1.7bn for Orlen to modernise electricity distribution infrastructure in Poland via its subsidiary Energa Operator.
The European Investment Bank approves a final tranche of PLN1.7bn for Orlen to modernise electricity distribution infrastructure in Poland via its subsidiary Energa Operator.
Luc Rémont is replaced as head of EDF as French manufacturers criticise a pricing strategy seen as incompatible with national industrial competitiveness.
Luc Rémont is replaced as head of EDF as French manufacturers criticise a pricing strategy seen as incompatible with national industrial competitiveness.
Luc Rémont will not be reappointed as Chairman of Électricité de France, two years after his nomination, despite record profits in 2024 and the revival of the nuclear fleet.
The French government has appointed Bernard Fontana to lead EDF, relying on his experience in nuclear energy and energy-intensive industries, amid strategic restructuring and rising tariff pressures.
The French government has appointed Bernard Fontana to lead EDF, relying on his experience in nuclear energy and energy-intensive industries, amid strategic restructuring and rising tariff pressures.
Kazakhmys, the leading copper producer in Kazakhstan, partially suspends its operations after the death of eight workers. The company is conducting an inspection of its facilities to ensure operational safety.
Kazakhmys, the leading copper producer in Kazakhstan, partially suspends its operations after the death of eight workers. The company is conducting an inspection of its facilities to ensure operational safety.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) warns of the potentially devastating consequences of a power plant project near its telescopes in the Atacama Desert, highlighting irreversible light pollution.
The European Southern Observatory (ESO) warns of the potentially devastating consequences of a power plant project near its telescopes in the Atacama Desert, highlighting irreversible light pollution.
The recent elections in Greenland resulted in a victory for the Demokraatit party, which advocates gradual independence from Denmark and increased support for the exploitation of natural resources, prioritizing the mining and energy sectors. This election comes amid heightened international tensions, notably due to proposals by Donald Trump to annex the territory.
In January 2025, Italy recorded a trade deficit of €264 million, largely attributed to the rising energy costs, according to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat).
In January 2025, Italy recorded a trade deficit of €264 million, largely attributed to the rising energy costs, according to the National Institute of Statistics (Istat).
The National Federation of Mines and Energy of the General Confederation of Labour (FNME-CGT) has elected Fabrice Coudour as secretary general. He succeeds Sébastien Ménesplier and inherits strategic issues, including the opening of hydropower concessions to competition.
The National Federation of Mines and Energy of the General Confederation of Labour (FNME-CGT) has elected Fabrice Coudour as secretary general. He succeeds Sébastien Ménesplier and inherits strategic issues, including the opening of hydropower concessions to competition.
Nigerien authorities have ordered the expulsion of three Chinese executives from oil companies and shut down a hotel owned by a Chinese company. This decision is part of a policy aimed at strengthening national control over the country’s energy resources.
Nigerien authorities have ordered the expulsion of three Chinese executives from oil companies and shut down a hotel owned by a Chinese company. This decision is part of a policy aimed at strengthening national control over the country’s energy resources.
An incident in a private power plant caused a nationwide blackout in Panama on Saturday night. The national power grid was severely impacted, leading to an interruption in the potable water supply. Authorities are investigating the causes of the event.
UK greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 3.6% in 2024, marking a slowdown in the pace of reduction. The end of coal usage in electricity production and the rise in electric vehicles contributed to this trend.
UK greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 3.6% in 2024, marking a slowdown in the pace of reduction. The end of coal usage in electricity production and the rise in electric vehicles contributed to this trend.
The capital of the Central African Republic, Bangui, is facing a prolonged power outage, severely disrupting economic activities and exacerbating water shortages.
The capital of the Central African Republic, Bangui, is facing a prolonged power outage, severely disrupting economic activities and exacerbating water shortages.
More than 160 senators from the right and centre have urged François Bayrou to suspend the publication of the third Multi-Year Energy Programme (PPE 3), criticizing its lack of a comprehensive vision and calling for greater parliamentary involvement in defining the energy mix.
More than 160 senators from the right and centre have urged François Bayrou to suspend the publication of the third Multi-Year Energy Programme (PPE 3), criticizing its lack of a comprehensive vision and calling for greater parliamentary involvement in defining the energy mix.

Advertising