SUSTAINABILITY: CLIMATE CHANGE
As the climate crisis escalates, swift action is imperative. The World Meteorological Organization is dedicated to aiding the G20 in spearheading global efforts towards a sustainable future for all
Celeste Saulo , secretary-general, World Meteorological Organization
A s leaders gather at the G20 Rio Summit, it is crucial to acknowledge the gravity of the climate crisis that looms over our planet. The climate emergency is no longer a distant threat but an immediate challenge manifesting itself through increasingly severe and frequent extreme weather events. These events, from devastating floods to unprecedented heatwaves, are a clear indication that climate change is accelerating at an alarming rate. National meteorological and hydrological services play a role by providing critical information and forecasts to inform decision-making. THE GRAVITY OF THE CRISIS Reports confirm that 2023 was the warmest year on record. Global temperatures consistently broke historical averages. This year is on track to be the warmest again, underscoring the relentless progress of global warming. Human-induced climate change, primarily driven by burning fossil fuels, is at the core of these escalating temperatures. The consequences are dire: rising sea levels, more frequent and intense storms, and widespread disruption to ecosystems. Today, extreme hydrometeorological hazards account for more than 90% of the world’s disasters, which increased
Climate change at a critical crossroads
72
G20 BRAZIL: THE RIO SUMMIT — 2024
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease