2024 has been recorded as the warmest year in the 175-year history of global temperature records, with average temperatures exceeding pre-industrial levels by more than 1.5°C, reports UNB.
This alarming revelation comes from the "State of the Global Climate Report" released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on Wednesday.
Scientists warn that climate change is driving global temperatures and environmental damage to unprecedented levels, with vulnerable nations like Bangladesh feeling the impact.
Bangladeshi climate experts have expressed concern over the findings, emphasising that the extreme climate events of 2023-24 will have long-lasting impacts on the country.
They stress the urgent need for robust climate policies to mitigate further damage and protect the nation's people and ecosystems.
Dr. Atiq Rahman, Executive Director of the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies, said, "Despite contributing minimally to global emissions, Bangladesh is bearing the brunt of climate change. We are not receiving adequate global compensation for the losses we endure."
Dr. Rahman called for a shift from polluting fossil fuels to cleaner energy alternatives, emphasizing the need for a homegrown climate strategy to safeguard the nation's future.
Meteorologist Abul Kalam Mallik urged Bangladesh to prioritize afforestation, water source conservation, and carbon emission reduction.
"We must reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and adopt an integrated national policy to address the climate-related issues," he said.
The WMO report, released ahead of World Glacier Day (March 21), World Water Day (March 22), and World Meteorological Day (March 23), paints a grim picture of the global climate crisis.
The year 2024 saw a record number of natural disasters linked to extreme weather events, including cyclones, typhoons, and heatwaves. These events resulted in the highest number of displacements in 16 years, exacerbating food crises and causing massive economic losses worldwide.
