2024: The Hottest Year on Record – Why You Need to Learn Climate Science Now

A Planet in Crisis

The numbers are in, and they are alarming. 2024 has officially been declared the hottest year on record. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), global temperatures in 2024 were 2.3°F (1.28°C) warmer than the 20th-century average, surpassing the previous record set just a year earlier in 2023. What’s more concerning is that this milestone comes after 15 consecutive months of record-breaking global temperatures. 

These figures are not just statistics; they are indicators of a rapidly changing planet. The rising temperatures are triggering extreme weather events, accelerating biodiversity loss, worsening water scarcity, and intensifying food insecurity. From prolonged heatwaves and devastating wildfires to more frequent hurricanes and floods, the impacts of climate change are being felt in every corner of the world. 

But the truth is, climate change is not just an environmental issue—it is a human crisis. Millions of people, particularly those in vulnerable communities, are losing their homes, livelihoods, and lives due to climate-induced disasters. If we don’t act now, the consequences will only grow more severe. 

The Carbon Crisis: 421 ppm and Counting 

One of the major drivers behind this record-breaking heat is the rising concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in our atmosphere. In 2024, CO₂ levels reached 421.73 parts per million (ppm)—the highest ever recorded in human history. 

To put this into perspective, CO₂ levels are now more than 50% higher than pre-industrial levels, before human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial expansion started altering the planet’s natural balance. 

Why does this matter? Carbon dioxide traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, creating a ‘greenhouse effect’ that leads to global warming. The more CO₂ we emit, the more heat is retained, causing disruptions to weather patterns, rising sea levels, and increasing ocean acidification, which threatens marine life. 

Despite the urgency of this crisis, many people still lack an understanding of the science behind climate change. This knowledge gap is one of the greatest obstacles to effective climate action. Without widespread climate literacy, misinformation spreads, delaying necessary policy actions and making it harder for individuals and communities to take meaningful steps toward sustainability. 

The key to solving this crisis? Education. 

Hope in Action: Natural Climate Solutions & Green Jobs 

While the outlook may seem bleak, there is still hope—and it lies in natural climate solutions. By protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing our forests, wetlands, and agricultural lands, we can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance our planet’s ability to absorb carbon naturally. 

A major benefit of natural climate solutions is their tremendous potential for job creation. According to studies, scaling up ecosystem restoration efforts could generate up to 20 million new jobs globally. Moreover, for every dollar invested, ecosystem restoration creates 3.7 times more jobs than the oil and gas industry. 

This means that climate action is not just an environmental necessity but an economic opportunity. By shifting toward sustainable practices and investing in green jobs, we can revitalize local economies, support communities, and create a future that balances both human prosperity and planetary health. 

However, for these solutions to be effective, people need to understand how climate change works and what actions are most impactful. This is where climate education becomes crucial. 

Be Part of the Solution: Learn Climate Science, Lead Climate Action 

The fight against climate change begins with knowledge. If we truly want to drive impactful solutions, influence policies, and implement sustainable practices, we must first understand the science behind climate change. 

That’s why the "Learn Climate Science, Lead Climate Action" course by CEE (Centre for Environment Education)is more relevant than ever.

Rejini Simpson

Rejini Simpson is a seasoned environmental professional with over 15 years of experience in biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development. As Programme Director at CEE South, she leads multi-sectoral initiatives and drives regional policy advocacy, environmental education, and ecosystem-based solutions.