heat Global average could be around 2024 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900) is the maximum limit that the Treaty of Paris recommends not to exceed at the end of this century. However, what is important is whether this trend will be maintained in the long term, as Celeste Saulo, the new secretary general of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), explained.
The Argentine scientist reminded the following in his first speech to the media after taking office on January 1: “It was already close to 1.5 degrees in 2023” (1.45 degrees was reached according to WMO’s latest report) and science says 2024 is likely to be a warmer year due to the El Niño event.”
“What we really need to worry about is the long-term trend of this increase.”
“So we expect to be near or above the 1.5 degree abnormality, and exceeding that threshold is a warning. What we really need to worry about is trend“He underlined Argentina’s long-term prospects.
According to Saulo’s example, the fact that the average global temperature has been 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels for 10 consecutive years may actually be evidence of this. Paris Agreement is not being implementedHe warned that if such a situation occurs, climate disasters will increase even more.
“The atmosphere tells us we need to take action”
“The atmosphere and the data tell us we need to act.” summed up Saulo, who replaced Finland’s Petteri Taalas as head of the UN meteorological agency after eight years.
In his presentation to the media, the expert stated that the world “faces climate change, one of the most complex problems facing humanity.”must act as a global familyunited by shared responsibility, a vision for our children’s future, and a common destiny.
“We have the opportunity, the obligation, the possibility to change the narrative on climate issues,” said the Latin American scientist, who is the first woman to lead the WMO in the organization’s 73-year history.
“What women bring to organizations is diversity; we have different ways of thinking and looking for solutions, and it’s not necessarily better, but it’s different,” Saulo summed up.
The Secretary General added that he hopes to deliver the following during his term of office: Giving priority to regional and field activities, “To ensure that innovation reaches all member countries, especially those with lower levels of development.”
In this sense, Saulo emphasized the importance of the WMO program currently being carried out to ensure that all countries in the world have early warning systems to prevent natural disasters.
“We must ensure that every person in the world has access to timely and reliable weather and climate risk information to save lives,” he said.