Intense warming marked in European regions

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), a part of the United Nations system and known as the World Organization for Meteorology, plays a crucial role in collecting and exchanging data on weather and climate. Based in Geneva, the WMO is an international organization focused on meteorology.

In 2024, Europe experienced the warmest year in its recorded history. According to European climate monitoring agencies, this significant milestone was reached due to the ongoing warming of the Earth's atmosphere, a phenomenon commonly known as climate change. This change has led to various problems such as floods, droughts, and heavy storms.

In the eastern part of Europe, it has been particularly hot and dry, while the western part has seen an abundance of rain. This disparity in weather patterns across Europe has contributed to the extreme weather events that occurred in 2024, including heavy floods, inundations, and storms.

Sadly, more than 300 people have lost their lives due to these extreme weather events. However, it's worth noting that many European cities are reportedly better prepared for such situations.

The shift towards renewable energy sources such as wind, water, and sun has been on the rise in Europe, which is better for the climate. This increase in electricity generation from renewable sources is a positive step towards mitigating the effects of climate change.

The WMO collects data not only from member countries but also from various sources, including satellites. Copernicus, a program of the European Union and European Space Agency, sends satellites into space to collect data on climate change. The data collected by these satellites can be used to monitor how the climate is changing.

Copernicus is often associated with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) or the European Climate Assessment & Dataset, which is responsible for the forecasting of weather and climate in Europe. In 2024, the ECMWF reported that the year was the warmest in Europe since records began.

In conclusion, the year 2024 saw Europe experiencing the fastest warming of any continent, leading to extreme weather events that claimed more than 300 lives. However, the shift towards renewable energy and the preparation of many European cities for such events offer hope for a more sustainable and resilient future. The WMO, with its crucial role in collecting and exchanging data on weather and climate, will continue to play a vital part in helping us understand and combat climate change.