2024 Confirmed Hottest Year on Record — Global Warming Passes 1.5 °C Threshold
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has confirmed that the year 2024 was the warmest on record, with the globally-averaged near-surface temperature 1.55 °C ± 0.13 °C above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900).
Highlights:
This figure surpasses the critical 1.5 °C threshold long considered the “red line” in the Paris Agreement.
The past ten years (2015-2024) are all among the ten warmest ever recorded.
The WMO warns that global temperatures between 2025 and 2029 are likely to remain at or near these record levels, with a 70-80 % chance that the five-year average will exceed 1.5 °C.
Impacts: accelerated glacier melting, sea-ice shrinkage, more extreme heat days, and increased vulnerability for developing countries.
Why this matters:
For climate policy: the breach of 1.5 °C (even if for a year) sends a strong signal that the world is entering a new climate era.
For Uganda and East Africa: extreme heat, changing rainfall patterns and stressed ecosystems will affect agriculture, food security, health and water resources.
For urban context: cities are on the frontline of climate adaptation — from heat waves to infrastructure strain to migration from rural distress.
For The Urban Gazette readers: this article can tie global significance with local relevance — how Kampala and Fort Portal should be preparing, what it means for tourism, rainfall, livelihoods, renewable energy.
What to Watch:
1.Global milestone (“2024 hottest year on record”). 2.what it means for Uganda: e.g., changes in rainfall affecting Rwenzori slopes, impact on tourism in Western Region, adaptation needs in urban areas, potential for green investment. Include expert quotes or call-outs (WMO), and end with local take-aways: what can communities, businesses and local government do.
