The latest report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) shows that indicators for climate change will break records again this year. Extreme weather conditions are increasingly affecting food safety and agriculture, warned the FAO. It called on countries to reduce their emissions and protect livelihoods.
The WMO report confirmed that last year was the warmest year since measurements began 174 years ago. 'We have never been so close – even temporarily – to the lower limit of the Paris Climate Agreement,' said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo. She described it as a warning signal for the world.
Climate change is about much more than just temperatures, Saulo explained. “What we saw in 2023, especially the unprecedented warming of the oceans, the retreat of glaciers, and the loss of Antarctic sea ice, is particularly alarming.”
More than 90% of the ocean was affected by a heatwave in 2023, causing ocean waters to warm even further. According to preliminary data, major glaciers experienced their greatest ice loss since 1950.
Experts also say that the FAO ignores the greenhouse gases associated with the production of meat and dairy in its calculations. The FAO has been criticized for removing a plan to reduce meat consumption from its climate roadmap.