Geneva, 2 November 2021 (TDI): The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released the provisional State of the Climate 2021 Report at the opening of United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) on Sunday. It manifests various climate indicators, including extreme weather, greenhouse gas concentrations, ocean warming and acidification, glacier retreat, and ice melt.
According to the report, the accumulated heat and record atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations have propelled the planet into an uncharted territory that could harm the current and future generations. The provisional WMO report comprised inputs from the scientific experts, UN agencies, and meteorological services.
It also noted the impact of climate change on population displacement, food security, and how it undermines the progress of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Based on data collected from January to September 2021, the report maintains that the past seven years are on course to be the seven warmest on record.
Statement of the UN-Secretary General
Enunciating his remarks on the provisional WMO State of the Global Climate 2021 report, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres mentioned that the report draws information from latest scientific evidence and effectively demonstrates how the climatic conditions are changing the world.
Guterres noted that such changes went from destroying the ecosystems and communities to melting glaciers and leading to extreme weather conditions. In this regard, he maintained that the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) must serve as a turning point for the planet. He also urged world leaders to show responsibility and make credible efforts to save humanity.
Remarks of the WMO Secretary-General
The World Meteorological Organization’s Secretary-General, Professor Petteri Taalas, stated that Canadian glaciers are quickly melting, given which parts of the United States and Canada suffered heat waves. He also mentioned that several parts of the Mediterranean also suffered from extreme temperatures.
According to Professor Taalas, China and parts of Europe suffered severe flooding resulting in dozens of casualties and economic losses worth billions. Similarly, a drought in South America impacted energy, agriculture, transport production.
He further added that such extreme events are the ‘new norm’ and human-induced climate change is one of the biggest reasons behind this. According to the WMO Secretary-General, Earth will witness an excessive temperature increase by the end of this century, given the current rate of increase in greenhouse gas concentrations.
The WMO provisional report will be showcased at the Science pavilion hosted by the Organization in collaboration with Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the United Kingdom Met Office. Following COP26 negotiations, WMO will also launch the Systematic Observations Financing Facility to improve climate and weather forecasts essential for climate change adaptation.
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