A year of extremes
Weather and climate extremes have caused widespread destruction in 2024, leading to displacement, migrations and the undermining of sustainable development goals. From heatwaves to flooding and tropical cyclones, 2024 has served as yet another reminder of the tangible impacts of a changing climate.
On Climate Foresight we looked at numerous extreme events in detail, not least of which in the Mediterranean region, where we discussed the possibility of extreme weather events, tied to rising marine and atmospheric temperatures, becoming the new normal and the symptom of a larger trend.
Why are extreme events on the rise? Carbon Brief’s interactive map shows the contribution of human-caused climate change to individual extreme weather events. This map includes data from every published study on how climate change has influenced extreme weather. The latest update in 2024 expands the map to include over 600 studies, covering nearly 750 extreme weather events and trends.
The hottest year on record
From individual extreme events to underlying trends 2024 is also on track to break a most unfortunate of records: it is shaping up to be the warmest on record after a series of exceptionally high monthly global mean temperatures, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
This may not come as a surprise as the previous record for global mean temperatures was registered in 2023; yet another clear indication of the irrefutable trend. As emissions increase – atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) has increased from around 278 ppm in 1750 to 420 ppm in 2023, an increase of 51% – experts predict that temperatures will continue to rise for the foreseeable future.
Credits: Climate Change Tracker
Oceans also warming
Rising marine temperatures are a critical issue as they come with wide-ranging ecological and socioeconomic impacts. Global ocean temperatures also achieved unwanted records, with ocean heat content in 2023 the highest on record and data showing 2024 is on course to hit similar numbers.
In this context, preserving the Global Ocean is a key concern. One that was addressed at the latest edition of the Ocean Decade Conference held in Barcelona, Spain, from April 10 to 12, and co-organized by UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC/UNESCO). The conference brought together over 1,500 participants from 124 countries, including CMCC researchers, and resulted in the drafting of the Barcelona Statement, a document that identifies priority areas for action in the coming years.
US, EU and beyond: Voters show up in numbers
Elections have played a key role in 2024, with voters in over 60 countries heading to the ballots. The impact of public opinion and voting on climate policy is huge, not least of which when key international players such as the US choose their leaders. As our latest opinion piece shows, the way people vote in the US elections has an impact on the country’s ability to reach its climate targets, casting a potential shadow on the next four years with Donald Trump in power.
The extent of changes in US climate policy following presidential elections demonstrates the profound role played by voters and political intentions when it comes to climate policy. An issue that also emerged from the EU elections, held in June, signalling a key moment for the region’s climate policy and approach to climate issues.
Aside from national elections, 2024 also saw the adoption of the UN Pact For The Future, the UN’s latest framework aimed at addressing global challenges and accelerating progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reforming international financial systems to better serve developing nations, tackling climate change, and governing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.
COP29 under the spotlight
2024 was also the year of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, known as the “finance COP” for its focus on climate finance. The conference addressed critical issues such as the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance, the Baku-to-Belem roadmap, advancements in carbon market regulations, and the Global Goal on Adaptation. Despite progress in these areas, challenges remained in bridging mitigation gaps and achieving actionable commitments.
A team of scientists from CMCC brought their expertise to the COP29 negotiation, contributing valuable scientific insights to the discussions. Their involvement was instrumental in shaping outcomes on key issues that we shared in a series of spotlight articles:
- Loss and Damage emerged as a critical theme at COP29, highlighting the urgent need to address climate change’s residual risks. We interviewed CMCC and IIASA scientist Elisa Calliari, who shares insights on the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund and the financial commitments made to support vulnerable regions. On the same theme, this article by IIASA introduces a study by IIASA and CMCC scientists, including Massimo Tavoni, highlighting the urgent need for Loss and Damage funding in the new climate finance regime.
- As attention shifted towards climate challenges faced by the most vulnerable nations, National Adaptation Plans (NAPs) emerged as a key focus of the discussions at COP29. In this interview, CMCC scientist Caterina Guidi explores the critical role of NAPs in building resilience and fostering sustainable development for Least Developed Countries.
- CMCC researcher Marta Ellena discusses the critical role of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) in shaping the future of climate finance. Ellena highlights the importance of mobilizing resources for mitigation and adaptation, ensuring transparency, and creating the trust needed to drive investment and climate action worldwide.
- In this Foresight article, CMCC researcher Cinzia Chiriacò discusses the vital role of land-based carbon removal in achieving net-zero emissions. Chiriacò emphasizes the need for clear rules under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement to support strategies like reforestation and sustainable land management, which require extensive research, funding, and policy frameworks.
- CMCC researcher Matteo Bellotta discusses the critical role of agriculture, forestry, and land use (AFOLU) in tackling climate change, offering key mitigation opportunities, such as reforestation and sustainable farming.
An agreement at COP29 was absolutely essential to keep the 1.5 degree limit alive. And countries have delivered.
I had hoped for a more ambitious outcome – on both finance and mitigation – to meet the great challenge we face.
But this agreement provides a base on which to build.
It must be honoured in full and on time. Commitments must quickly become cash. All countries must come together to ensure the top-end of this new goal is met.from the UN Secretary-General António Guterres Statement on COP29
As the IPCC focal point for Italy, CMCC also organized a webinar for Italian speakers, featuring negotiators from CMCC and the Italian Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security so that they could share their perspectives and analysis of the conference’s outcomes.
Although the webinar is in Italian you can read our summary post to find out the key outcomes.
Climate communication
As climate records continue to be broken and the climate science community works towards finding solutions for a resilient planet, engaging the public is key to building climate-resilient communities and drive collective efforts for a sustainable future.
Earlier this year, we looked at how to make complex climate data accessible to all in an interview with Anna Lombardi, climate data visualizer at the Copernicus Climate Change Service, who worked on the European State of the Climate Report for 2023 with the aim of bringing scientific trends to life in a way that resonates with a broader audience.
Climate change communication is also about art and following a successful first installment in Venice in 2023, The Cooling Solution continued its artistic journey in 2024, with exhibitions in New York City and London. A photographic and scientific project, resulting from a collaboration between CMCC and Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, The Cooling Solution showcases how different communities adapt to heat and humidity in countries most affected by climate change.
Finally, in the context of recognizing impactful climate communication, CMCC awarded the “Romeo Bassoli” prize – celebrating journalism that helps make climate and sustainability issues accessible and relevant – to Italian journalist Ferdinando Cotugno. Through his articles, newsletter and podcast, Cotugno takes on the climate crisis with a bold, solution-oriented approach, reminding us that while the stakes are high, there’s still hope and room for action.
“We need to talk more about solutions, about the future, about possibilities and openness, and not feel condemned to decline and collapse. We will (and I will) continue to talk about solutions, standing on the side of hope. But for hope to be credible, it cannot lose sight of reality.”
Ferdinando Cotugno in his newsletter, Areale
