2024 Declared Hottest Year on Record

The year 2024 has been confirmed as the hottest on record globally, surpassing the previous year by 0.12°C and becoming the first year to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. This alarming trend, driven primarily by human-caused climate change and exacerbated by temporary patterns like El Niño, signals a critical point for global climate targets. In South Korea, temperatures reached 14.5°C, marking the warmest year since record-keeping began 113 years ago, while Arctic regions of Norway experienced temperature increases of 1.3 to 1.5 degrees Celsius above normal, significantly impacting local ecosystems. Various regions, including Linz, also reported record-breaking temperatures, prompting local governments to implement climate-friendly initiatives. Experts stress that continuous reliance on fossil fuels is a significant contributor to rising global temperatures, highlighting the urgent need for climate action. Overall, the data paints a concerning picture of climate change's rapid progression and its widespread impacts on various regions worldwide.