The latest report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) paints a stark picture of the state of global climate change in 2023. Climate indicators hit record highs, including greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean heat and acidification, sea level rise, Antarctic sea ice cover, and glacier retreat.
Environmental devastation
According to the WMO’s State of the Global Climate 2023 report, heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires and tropical cyclones have caused billions of dollars in economic losses. Moreover, the report revealed that 2023 was the warmest year to date. The global average near-surface temperature reached 1.45 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial baseline.
“What we witnessed in 2023, especially with the unprecedented ocean warmth, glacier retreat and Antarctic sea ice loss, is cause for particular concern,” Celeste Saulo, WMO secretary-general, said.
The report also underscores the severe impact of climate change on oceanic ecosystems. Nearly one-third of the global ocean suffers from marine heatwaves, resulting in widespread damage to vital ecosystems and food systems. Additionally, the global set of reference glaciers experienced unprecedented ice loss, driven by extreme melt events in western North America and Europe.
Moreover, the Antarctic sea ice extent was by far the lowest on record, with the maximum extent at the end of winter being 1 million km2 below the previous record year.
Food insecurity
Climate change also extends its impact to global food insecurity with the number of people who are acutely food insecure worldwide doubling in 2023. The WMO report attributes the growth of global food insecurity to weather and climate extremes, which are aggravating factors. Moreover, the effects of climate change and weather hazards continued to trigger displacement in 2023.
Renewable energy
Despite the growing concerns over climate change, renewable energy generation offers a glimmer of hope. Energy production from solar, wind and water sources has surged in 2023. Renewable capacity additions increased by almost 50 percent compared to 2022, totaling 510 gigawatts. That is the highest rate of production the world has seen in the last 20 years.
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