The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has announced that 2024 is on track to be the hottest year ever recorded, driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions and a strong El Niño event, Cape {town} Etc reports.
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This marks the latest milestone in the ongoing trend of global warming, with the past decade (2015–2024) being the warmest on record.
The WMO’s State of the Climate 2024 report highlights the severe consequences of this warming, including melting glaciers, rising sea levels and extreme weather events.
Global temperatures between January and September 2024 were 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels. South Africa is experiencing unusually high temperatures, with regions like the Northern Cape recording highs of 47.2°C in March. Gauteng also saw record heat in early November.
Experts warn that climate change is exacerbating droughts, particularly in Southern Africa. Professor Francois Engelbrecht pointed to the ongoing drought and food shortages, with the Kariba Dam’s water levels dropping to less than 5%, impacting millions in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. Over 80% of maize crops have been lost in parts of Southern Africa, and around 50 million people are in need of food assistance.
In South Africa, the rising heat is increasing health risks such as dehydration, heatstroke and wildfires, while also straining water supplies.
Meteorologist Annette Botha noted that 2023 was the hottest year on record for South Africa, and 2024 could follow the same trend. The country is also facing unpredictable weather patterns, with some regions experiencing severe droughts while others see heavy rainfall and flooding.
Experts are urging immediate action to address climate change, with a focus on resilience and adaptation to mitigate the impacts on agriculture, water resources, and public health.
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