The United Nations says time is running out for the world to tackle the climate crisis. A report says the temporary drop in emissions as a result of the pandemic failed to delay the "relentless" changes in the world's weather patterns.
The report published by the United Nations' World Meteorological Organization said extreme climate events in recent months have dealt a "double blow" to millions around the world already struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic.
The organization's report called on the international community to make 2021 a "year of action" to protect all from the "disastrous" effects of long-term climate change.
"We are on the verge of the abyss. This is truly a pivotal year for humanity's future. And this report shows we have no time to waste, climate disruption is here," U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said after the publication of the report.
The State of the Global Climate 2020 report was published ahead of U.S. President Joe Biden's climate summit Thursday. World leaders will attend the virtual summit.
According to the U.N. report, 2020 was one of the hottest years on record. World temperatures were 1.2 C higher than those in the pre-industrial period. Last year was the third hottest year after 2016 and 2019.
"Extreme weather and climate disruption, fueled by anthropogenic climate change, affecting lives, destroying livelihoods and forcing many millions from their homes," Guterres said.
2020 was 1 of 3 warmest years on record, withwildfires, flooding, hurricanes & other worsening impacts of the climate crisis, all pointing to the urgent need for #ClimateAction .
@WMO report: https://t.co/l3HoKNObA6
pic.twitter.com/yiFUzoPbYy — UN Humanitarian (@UNOCHA) April 19, 2021
The report said greenhouse gases continue to increase around the planet - including last year when there was a temporary reduction in emissions owing to the pandemic. This resulted in record low Arctic sea ice volumes and expanded marine heatwaves last year.
The effects of these changes were evident in a string of extreme weather events - including severe drought, widespread wildfires, sudden cold snaps and heatwaves, the report said.
The report said 2020 had an unprecedented 30 significant Atlantic storms which led to the deaths of more than 400 people and damage estimated at $41 billion. More than 9.8 million people were displaced by hydrometeorological hazards such as hurricanes, landslides, floods and droughts during the first half of 2020, the report said.
