Context

• The World Meteorological Organization has released the 'WMO State of the Global Climate - 2023' report.
• It looked at climate scenarios in 2023 with record increases in greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean warming and acidification, and sea levels.

Key Points

• In the year 2023, greenhouse gas emissions reach record levels, with carbon dioxide (CO2) levels 150% higher than levels before the Industrial Revolution (1750).
• At the same time, the concentration of methane and nitrous oxide also reached record-high levels.
• The levels of these gasses have increased by 264% and 124% respectively from pre-industrial (1750) levels. This increase is mainly responsible for climate change.
• Also in 2023, the global average temperature is expected to increase by 1.1 degrees Celsius compared to the level before the Industrial Revolution, which is the highest in the last 100 years.
• This increase is attributed to the melting of glaciers and sea ice, rising sea levels, and the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
• According to this report, in 2023, more than 650 extreme weather events were recorded worldwide, including floods, droughts, storms and wildfires.
• More than 300 million people were affected by these events.
• Apart from the above, the highest amount of heat was stored in the oceans in 2023.
• The rate of ocean warming has accelerated over the past two decades, especially from 2005–2023.
• Arctic sea ice extent remained below normal, marking the fifth and sixth lowest levels in satellite records for annual maximum and minimum, respectively.

Report findings

• If immediate and effective action is not taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, global temperatures are likely to rise by 3°C by 2100.
• This increase will have devastating consequences, including more extreme weather events, sea level rise, food insecurity, large-scale displacement, and biodiversity loss.

Recommendations presented in the report

• Taking immediate and ambitious action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy sources.
• Preventing deforestation and promoting afforestation.
• Investing to adapt to climate change.

The way forward

• Making changes in lifestyle such as; Develop a tendency to consume less energy, generate less waste, etc.
• Use of renewable energy such as; Use of solar energy, water energy, wind energy etc.
• Running awareness campaigns etc.

Important Facts For Exam

About WMO

• Establishment: 1950
• HQ: Geneva, Switzerland
• President: Abdulla Al Mandos