As the year 2024 draws to a close, reflect on a series of transformative events that shaped the trajectory of climate action and our relationship with nature. This year was marked by both challenges and triumphs, underscoring humanity’s capacity for change and resilience.
Breaching the 1.5°C Global Warming Limit: A Sobering Milestone
2024 saw the world breach the 1.5°C global warming threshold
above pre-industrial levels during certain months.
This alarming milestone, albeit temporary, served as a wake-up call. Scientists emphasized the urgent need to accelerate mitigation strategies to avoid prolonged warming that could irreversibly damage ecosystems and human societies. Governments and organizations redoubled their efforts, with calls for bolder commitments in the upcoming global climate summits.
The End of Coal in the UK
2024 marked the complete cessation of coal power generation
in the United Kingdom.
Once the backbone of Britain’s industrial revolution, coal’s demise underscores the nation’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Renewable energy sources like wind and solar now dominate the UK’s energy grid, demonstrating a viable path for other countries aiming to transition away from fossil fuels.
A Global Surge in Green Power
2024 witnessed an unprecedented surge in renewable energy
adoption worldwide.
Solar and wind capacity grew by over 20% globally, supported by technological advancements and decreasing costs. Developing nations played a pivotal role in this expansion, particularly in Africa and Southeast Asia, where innovative financing mechanisms and international collaborations helped bridge energy access gaps. These developments not only curbed emissions but also brought electricity to millions for the first time.
Granting Legal Personhood to the Environment and Animals
In 2024, the movement to recognize nature and animals as legal entities
gained significant traction.
Landmark cases in countries like Ecuador, India, and New Zealand set precedents for granting rivers, forests, and endangered species the status of legal persons. This shift fosters a deeper ethical relationship between humans and the environment, empowering communities to advocate for the protection of ecosystems and wildlife in courts of law.
Expanding Marine Protected Areas
In 2024, oceans received a much-needed reprieve with the establishment of new marine protected areas (MPAs) covering millions of square kilometers.
These MPAs, designated in regions like the South Pacific and the North Atlantic, aim to safeguard marine biodiversity and replenish fish stocks. Nations also committed to stronger enforcement mechanisms to combat illegal fishing and overexploitation within these zones, signaling hope for healthier oceans.
Amazon Deforestation Hits Record Lows
In 2024, deforestation in the Amazon reached its lowest level in over a decade.
Brazil’s renewed commitment to environmental stewardship, led by stricter enforcement and international cooperation, proved effective. Indigenous communities played a crucial role, receiving greater support to protect their lands and traditions. This milestone highlights the potential for collaborative approaches to address environmental challenges.
A Slowdown in Biodiversity Loss
In 2024, efforts to stem the tide of biodiversity loss began showing tangible results.
Conservation initiatives, habitat restoration projects, and stricter anti-poaching measures contributed to population recoveries of several threatened species. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, adopted in 2022, saw accelerated implementation this year, with nations reporting progress toward its ambitious targets.
Rick’s Commentary
While the challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation remain immense, 2024 stands out as a year of pivotal progress. It serves as a reminder of what humanity can achieve when science, policy, and community action converge.
Looking ahead, the momentum of this year must continue,
driving us toward a more sustainable and harmonious
relationship with the planet.
Further Reading
Breaching the 1.5°C Global Warming Limit:
This year set to be first to breach 1.5C global warming limit
Huge deal struck but is it enough? 5 takeaways from a dramatic COP29
Drought leaves Amazon basin rivers at all-time low
Atlantic hurricane season breaks records despite unexpected lull
The End of Coal in the UK:
UK to finish with coal power after 142 years
Final fuel delivery marks end of the line for coal
Workers at the UK's last coal-fired power plant prepare to say goodbye
A Global Surge in Green Power:
How is the world doing on tackling climate change?
U.S. wind generation hit record in April 2024, exceeding coal-fired generation
Global renewables growth set to outpace current government goals for 2030
'A bullet train for power': China's ultra-high-voltage electricity grid
Renewables 2024
Granting Legal Personhood to the Environment and Animals:
Ecuador court rules pollution violates rights of a river running through capital
The impact of the rights of nature
This Ecuadorian forest thrived amid deforestation after being granted legal rights
Government honours Taranaki Maunga deal
Municipality of Linhares (Brazil) Law on the Rights of the Waves
Whales and dolphins now have legal personhood in the Pacific – but one treaty won’t be enough to protect them
Expanding Marine Protected Areas:
Network of marine protected areas in the Azores
Just 2.8% of the world’s ocean is protected “effectively”
Amazon Deforestation Hits Record Lows:
Amazon rainforest: Brazil's plan to end forest clearance by 2030
A Slowdown in Biodiversity Loss:
Conservation slowing biodiversity loss, scientists say
Altyn Dala Conservation Initiative
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