The twenty-fifth edition of the WMO's annual climate report warns that climate change is set to continue and the Earth is running out of time to meet goals set in the Paris Climate Accords.
The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) latest report reveals that the impacts of climate change are accelerating.
In the report, published on March 28, the WMO’s warns that the “physical signs and socio-economic impacts of climate change are accelerating” and that record greenhouse gas levels are causing global temperatures to shoot up to alarming levels.
(The) global temperature has risen to close to 1 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial period. The time remaining to achieve commitments under the Paris agreement is quickly running out.- Petteri Taalas, the WMO secretary general
Figures in the twenty-fifth edition of the annual climate report illustrate that in the past four years, the globe has experienced the warmest temperatures on record, high ocean temperatures and a record rise in sea levels. It also warns that the global warming trend is set to continue.
See Also:Climate Change News“The data released in this report give cause for great concern,” United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres wrote. “The past four years were the warmest on record.”
Some of the key facts outlined in the report include:
In the foreword to the report, Petteri Taalas, the WMO’s secretary-general warns that “[the] global temperature has risen to close to 1 degree Celsius above the pre-industrial period. The time remaining to achieve commitments under the Paris agreement is quickly running out.”
The report also cautions that these extreme climatic patterns have a negative effect on agriculture and pose a real threat to food security. Following gains made in ending hunger and reversing malnutrition, the number of undernourished people increased in 2017 to 821 million due to drought situations brought on by the El Niño phenomenon in 2015 and 2016, and extreme weather events.
It also points out that people dependent on agriculture as a livelihood and those living in countries prone to drought and temperature variability are especially vulnerable.
A cold outbreak in the winter of 2018 in Europe caused abnormal snowfalls in the southern Mediterranean region, and specifically in the south of France and southern Italy. The same region experienced heavy rainfall, high winds and flooding in late October brought by an intense low-pressure system in the Mediterranean Sea, with Italy suffering the worst damage.
Extreme weather patterns in 2018 have been blamed for the poor harvest experienced by Greek producers, a record-low olive oil yield in Italy and a dismal harvest in California.
In a recent survey of farmers conducted by Olive Oil Times, there was a consensus that the mounting climatic extremes would call for vigilance.
“These data confirm the urgency of climate action,” Guterres said. “There is no longer any time for delay.”
More articles on: wildfires, climate change
Jun. 6, 2023
Record Temperatures Will Threaten Global Food Supply, Scientists Warn
The Mediterranean region is expected to experience extensive consequences of increasing temperatures and changing precipitation patterns.
Apr. 12, 2024
Global Production May Exceed Expectations, but Not Enough to Move Prices
Analysts predict climate change will result in new price dynamics, with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and other market segments behaving differently.
Feb. 7, 2024
Acesur CEO Highlights Andalusia's Key Role in Sector's Future
Gonzalo Guillén believes production capacity is the limiting factor to increase olive oil consumption and Andalusia remains best positioned to expand the market.
May. 1, 2023
How the El Niño Will Affect Olive Growers
El Niño years increase the likelihood of above-average precipitation in the Americas and below-average precipitation in Australia and South Africa.
Jun. 26, 2023
Once Again, Olive Growers in Western Mediterranean Face Severe Drought
In Andalusia, rainfed olive groves are barren. Similar situations have been reported in North Africa. Officials in Europe are focusing on the soil to mitigate the drought.
Feb. 19, 2024
Conflict and Weather Extremes Dwindle Lebanese Harvest
The cross-border fire between the militant group Hezbollah and Israel has resulted in thousands of Lebanese fleeing north and even more olives left unharvested.
Jun. 5, 2023
Farmers and Consumers React to Rising Olive Oil Prices
As drought pushes production prices up across the Mediterranean, farmers and consumers adapt.
Dec. 19, 2023
COP28 Climate Conference Concludes With Mixed Results
The world’s nations have agreed to move away from oil and other fossil fuels, however, without a clear commitment to completely phase out fossil fuels as an energy source.