Rising Temperatures and Heatwaves Cause Sea Level Rise

The year 2024 was recorded as the hottest year in history due to unprecedented levels of greenhouse gases. The extreme heat and rising temperatures have led to the rapid melting of glaciers across the world, including in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, significantly increasing global sea levels.

According to a report released on Wednesday by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the United Nations’ climate monitoring agency, the average global temperature in 2024 increased by 1.55°C, which is 0.1°C higher than the rise recorded in 2023.

WMO data further reveals that in 2024, the average global sea level rose by 4.7 millimeters. At the 2015 United Nations Climate Conference in Paris, member states had agreed that the global temperature rise should not exceed 1.5°C.

Given this, the temperature increase recorded last year is highly concerning. However, WMO’s chief scientist, coordinator, and lead author of the report, John Kennedy, stated:

“A 1.5°C increase in a single year is alarming, but it does not mean the Paris Agreement is failing. If we act with determination, we can still mitigate this crisis.”

The rising temperatures have also intensified natural disasters worldwide. In 2024, extreme weather events such as storms, heavy rainfall, droughts, and prolonged heatwaves occurred more frequently.

According to UN estimates, at least 800,000 people were displaced due to climate-related disasters in 2024—the highest figure since 2008.