Planet Hits Record-Breaking Heat in 2024

Climate crisis and global warming landscape – Image created by ChatGPT with DALL-E by OpenAI.

VOCABULARY LIST

• Wake-up call (noun phrase) /ˈweɪk ʌp kɔl/: A warning or realisation that something serious needs attention.
  Example: The report was a wake-up call for governments to take climate action.

• Record-breaking (adjective) /ˈrɛkɔd ˌbreɪkɪŋ/: Achieving a new highest or lowest level.
  Example: 2024 was a record-breaking year for global temperatures.

• Greenhouse gas (noun) /ˈɡrinhaʊs ɡæs/: A gas, such as carbon dioxide, that traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere.
  Example: The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases into the air.

• Sea level rise (noun phrase) /ˈsi ˌlɛvəl raɪz/: The increase in the height of the ocean due to climate change.
  Example: Many coastal cities are at risk due to sea level rise.

• Extreme weather (noun phrase) /ɛkˈstrim ˈwɛðə/: Unusually severe weather events, such as hurricanes or heatwaves.
  Example: Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change.

• Climate action (noun phrase) /ˈklaɪmət ˈækʃən/: Efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.
  Example: The government must take stronger climate action to prevent future disasters.

• Cryosphere (noun) /ˈkraɪəˌsfɪə/: The frozen parts of the Earth's surface, such as glaciers and sea ice.
  Example: The melting cryosphere is causing global sea levels to rise.

• Tipping point (noun phrase) /ˈtɪpɪŋ pɔɪnt/: The point at which a change becomes irreversible.
  Example: Scientists warn that we are approaching a climate tipping point.

• Carbon footprint (noun phrase) /ˈkɑbən ˈfʊtprɪnt/: The amount of carbon dioxide a person or activity releases into the atmosphere.
  Example: Switching to renewable energy can help reduce your carbon footprint.

• Fossil fuels (noun phrase) /ˈfɒsəl ˌfjʊəlz/: Natural fuels like coal, oil, and gas that contribute to climate change when burned.
  Example: The world needs to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels to fight global warming.

  ARTICLE

The Earth just recorded its hottest year since records began 175 years ago, marking a serious warning from climate experts. The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has confirmed that 2024 was likely the first full year where global temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

A Climate Wake-Up Call

The WMO report warns that rising sea levels and ocean warming are now irreversible for hundreds of years. It also highlights that:

• The concentration of carbon dioxide in the air is at its highest in 800,000 years.

• The past 10 years were the hottest on record.

• Arctic sea ice has shrunk dramatically, with the 18 lowest sea-ice levels recorded in the last 18 years.

• Sea levels are rising twice as fast as when satellite measurements first began.

The record-breaking temperatures were mainly caused by rising greenhouse gas emissions, along with the transition from a cooling La Niña to a warming El Niño.

'Dire' Warning from Climate Experts

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo described the findings as a wake-up call for humanity. "A single year above 1.5°C warming doesn’t mean we’ve completely missed our climate targets, but it shows we are putting our planet, lives, and economy at serious risk,” she said.

Experts are frustrated by the lack of urgent action. Dr Linden Ashcroft from the University of Melbourne admitted he doesn’t know what more can be said.
"I've been saying the same thing my whole career. Should I shout these findings from rooftops? Write in all caps? Dance on TikTok? Unless we see real climate action from governments and businesses, I’ll just copy and paste this same response next year."

What Needs to Happen?

Professor Martina Linnenluecke from UTS said this report shows the need for immediate and systemic change. Meanwhile, Professor Ian Lowe from Griffith University called the findings "truly alarming."

As extreme weather events become more common and devastating, experts warn that real action is needed now—before even worse climate thresholds are crossed.

SOURCE:

This article is based on: https://www.9news.com.au/world/climate-change-planet-sees-hottest-year-since-records-began/c20ae165-b654-45ac-bb74-702157a5bddf

Comprehension activity - multiple choice

1. What was the key finding in the latest WMO report?

A) The Earth is cooling due to greenhouse gas emissions.
B) 2024 was likely the first full year with temperatures 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
C) The Arctic sea ice has started to recover.
D) Governments have successfully reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

2. What is one major consequence of rising global temperatures mentioned in the article?

A) Increased fossil fuel reserves.
B) Lower sea levels worldwide.
C) Irreversible ocean warming and rising sea levels.
D) Stronger La Niña events every year.

3. How did Dr Linden Ashcroft react to the findings of the report?

A) He expressed frustration, saying he has been repeating the same warnings for years.
B) He encouraged people to ignore climate warnings.
C) He praised global leaders for taking urgent action.
D) He said climate change is no longer a serious issue.

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