2024 was a year of significant environmental events and developments around the world. From record-breaking temperatures to groundbreaking conservation efforts, here's a summary of the major environmental news that shaped the year:
Record-Breaking Temperatures: 2024 was the hottest year on record, with global temperatures exceeding the 1.5°C threshold set by the Paris Agreement. This alarming trend was driven by human-induced climate change and natural phenomena like El Niño.
Extreme Weather Events: The year saw an increase in extreme weather events, including hurricanes, heatwaves, and floods. Hurricane Beryl set a record for the earliest Category 5 storm to form in the Atlantic, while Phoenix experienced 113 consecutive days with temperatures above 100°F.
Impact on Ecosystems: The warming trend led to stronger hurricanes, more extreme rainfall events, and changing weather patterns worldwide. Coastal regions faced rising sea levels and increased hurricane intensity, while warmer temperatures created new habitats for insect-borne diseases.
Landmark Conservation Deal: The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recognized seven landmark initiatives aimed at restoring 40 million hectares of landscapes and seascapes. These efforts are expected to create 500,000 jobs and support biodiversity conservation.
Kunming Biodiversity Fund: China and UNEP launched the Kunming Biodiversity Fund to support conservation projects worldwide. This fund aims to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, a landmark deal to halt and reverse nature loss.
UN Environment Assembly Resolutions: The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) concluded with 15 resolutions to protect the planet. These resolutions focused on reducing pollution, combating desertification, protecting the ocean, reducing air pollution, and better managing freshwater supplies.
Municipal Waste Increase: A UNEP-backed study found that municipal waste is set to rise by two-thirds by 2050, posing significant environmental and health challenges. Efforts to manage and reduce waste are crucial to mitigating these impacts.
Gas-Powered Leaf Blower Ban: Portland announced a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality. The ban will be fully implemented by 2028.
NW Natural Lawsuits: NW Natural, Oregon's largest gas utility, faced lawsuits for alleged greenwashing and misleading customers about its carbon offsets program. The lawsuits highlight the need for transparency and accountability in environmental claims.
Global Monitoring System for Sand Dredging: The Marine Sand Watch, a new global monitoring system, uses satellite data and artificial intelligence to track sand dredging activities. This system aims to protect marine reserves and reduce environmental damage caused by dredging.
Solar Geoengineering: Solar geoengineering, once considered a controversial idea, gained acceptance as a potential solution to cool the planet. However, it comes with significant risks and ethical considerations.
Bio-Inspired Wind Sensing: Researchers developed a method to detect wind direction with 99% accuracy using bio-inspired sensors. This innovation could revolutionize robotic flight control and improve wind energy efficiency.
COP29 Climate Finance Agreement: At the 29th UN climate summit (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, negotiators reached a controversial agreement to provide at least $300 billion annually in climate finance for developing countries by 2035. This agreement aims to support climate resilience and mitigation efforts in vulnerable regions.
Clean Energy Fund: Portland's Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) allocated $300 million in grants for large-scale carbon-reduction projects. The fund aims to increase climate resiliency and lower carbon emissions, with a focus on low-income communities and communities of color.
Climate Justice Movements: Small-island developing states and other vulnerable communities called for climate justice, highlighting the disproportionate impact of climate change on marginalized populations. These movements aim to spur sustainable development and tackle climate change at the grassroots level.
Urban Forestry Internship Program: PCEF funded an urban forestry internship program to engage young people in tree planting and maintenance projects. This initiative aims to improve urban green spaces and promote environmental stewardship among youth.
2024 was a year of both challenges and progress in the environmental sector. While record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather events underscored the urgent need for climate action, conservation efforts, technological innovations, and international agreements offered hope for a more sustainable future. As we move into 2025, it's crucial to continue supporting and amplifying these efforts to protect our planet for future generations.
