Planet Likely to Experience Hottest Year Ever. Yet Will Be One of Coolest in the Decades Ahead.

WASHINGTON-Updates by scientific agencies-including the latest bulletin from Copernicus-that factor in the unbearably hot summer are signaling they expect 2024 will be the hottest year on record for the world, edging out the previous record set just last year. According to Copernicus, average temperatures for the remainder of the year would have to drop by levels that have never occurred in the dataset they utilize "making it increasingly likely that 2024 is going to be the warmest on record." If this expectation comes to fruition, that means the last 11 years will have been the 11 hottest on record.

Below is a statement by Dr. Kristina Dahl, a principal climate scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).

"The latest scientific data shows a devastating scientific duality: not only is 2024 slated to be the hottest year on record to date, but it could also be one of the coolest years we'll see in the decades ahead.

"Global heat-trapping emissions continue to rise and, as a result, people in the United States and around the world are experiencing relentless climate impacts like record-breaking heatwaves, droughts, storms, wildfires and sea level rise. The year isn't over yet, but already the country has endured 19 extreme weather and climate-related disasters that contributed to the deaths of 149 people and reported damages exceeding $49.6 billion.

"The science is clear: transformative and comprehensive global climate action during this consequential decade, including a rapid transition away from fossil fuels and investments in climate resilience, are essential to limit the worst climate harms. Continuing to allow the wealthiest nations and those most responsible for cumulative global warming emissions to favor fossil fuels over renewables will leave the people on the frontlines of the climate crisis highly exposed to losing their property, livelihoods and lives."

In addition to Dr. Dahl, UCS has the following experts on staff who can discuss climate trends and other noteworthy scientific findings, including their significance locally, nationally, and globally; actions policymakers must take to stave off the worst climate change impacts; the climate resilience investments needed to address unavoidable or irreversible impacts; and the science attributing climate impacts to major fossil fuel producers. More information about available UCS experts is provided below:

• Paul Arbaje, an energy analyst at UCS. He is based in New York City, New York. Click here for his biography.
• Dr. Astrid Caldas, a senior climate scientist for community resilience at UCS. She is available for interviews in English and Portuguese. Dr. Caldas is based in Washington, D.C. Click here for her biography.
• Dr. Rachel Cleetus, the policy director and lead economist for the Climate and Energy Program at UCS. She is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Click here for her biography.
• Dr. Juan Declet-Barreto, a senior social scientist for climate vulnerability at UCS. He is available for interviews in English and Spanish. Dr. Declet-Barreto is based in Washington, D.C. Click here for his biography.  
• Dr. Rachel Licker, a principal climate scientist at UCS. She is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Click here for her biography.
• John Rogers, a senior energy analyst at UCS. He is also a co-author of the book "Cooler Smarter: Practical Steps for Low-Carbon Living." Rogers is based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Click here for his biography.
• Shana Udvardy, a senior climate resilience policy analyst at UCS. She is based in Washington, D.C. Click here to view her biography.

UCS experts have extensive experience doing live and taped TV, radio, and print interviews with international, national and state media outlets. If you have any questions or would like to arrange an interview with one of our experts, please contact UCS Climate and Energy Media Manager Ashley Siefert Nunes.