With last year (2024) drawing to a close, the global community finds itself at a crossroads. A year marked by groundbreaking progress, relentless natural disasters, and sobering reminders of the urgency of climate action. Month by month, we revisit the key milestones and events that defined that extraordinary year, offering a comprehensive look at the developments that shaped the planet’s environmental narrative.
January - A hopeful start
The year began with optimism as the European Union announced its ‘Green Transition Pact 2024’, committing United States (US) Dollars ($) one trillion to renewable energy and climate adaptation projects over the next decade. This ambitious initiative set a global tone, emphasising the urgency of coordinated efforts to address climate change.
Meanwhile, unusually warm winter temperatures in the Arctic set the tone for what would be a record-breaking year for global heat levels. Scientists warned that these anomalies could disrupt ecosystems and accelerate ice melt, further raising sea levels.
February - Extreme weather and early warnings
February brought devastating news as Cyclone Aruna tore through South Asia, displacing over 1.2 million people. The storm highlighted the vulnerability of densely populated regions to extreme weather. In Africa, prolonged drought conditions persisted in the Horn of Africa, exacerbating food insecurity and sparking international humanitarian efforts.
Across the globe, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) released alarming data showing that January 2024 was the hottest on record. These findings fueled discussions at the United Nations (UN) Climate Resilience Forum, where experts stressed the need for urgent action to mitigate warming trends.
March - Youth activism ignites
Youth-led climate protests swept the globe in March, with millions participating in ‘The Climate Awakening’ marches. Activists in over 100 countries demanded immediate action to limit global warming to 1.5° Celsius. In the US, protests targeted major fossil fuel companies, while in Europe, demonstrators called for stricter emissions related targets.
Simultaneously, the Global Climate Adaptation Fund announced $ 15 billion in new commitments to support vulnerable nations, a move celebrated as a victory for grassroots activists who had long demanded increased financial support for adaptation.
April - Breakthroughs in renewable energy
April saw monumental progress in renewable energy. India unveiled its largest solar park in Rajasthan, capable of generating enough power for one million homes. This project marked a major milestone in India’s goal of achieving 50% renewable energy capacity by 2030.
In the US, the Green Energy Sovereignty Act passed, allocating $ 800 billion to renewable infrastructure and grid modernisation. This Legislation aimed to address the growing demand for clean energy while ensuring energy resilience during extreme weather events.
May - Disasters and displacement
Flooding wreaked havoc in South Asia as unseasonal monsoon rains devastated parts of Bangladesh and India. The economic toll of these floods exceeded $ 40 billion, with millions displaced and agricultural sectors severely affected. In Africa, Lake Victoria’s rising levels submerged thousands of homes, sparking regional discussions on transboundary water management.
Meanwhile, wildfires raged across the western US and parts of Australia, destroying biodiversity hotspots and displacing thousands. Experts attributed these disasters to prolonged droughts and rising global temperatures.
June - Scientific milestones
June marked a leap forward in climate technology. Icelandic scientists unveiled ‘SkyScrub’, a carbon capture system capable of removing carbon dioxide at industrial scales. Dubbed a ‘game-changer’, the technology attracted widespread attention and significant investments from global corporations.
Additionally, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a report emphasising nature based solutions, such as reforestation and wetland restoration, as critical tools for mitigating climate change. These findings reinvigorated global interest in protecting natural ecosystems.
July - Record heatwaves
Europe endured its hottest July on record, with temperatures surpassing 50°C in parts of Spain and Italy. The prolonged heatwave disrupted agriculture, tourism, and energy supplies, prompting governments to implement emergency measures.
China, meanwhile, unveiled the world’s largest floating solar farm. Spanning over 2,000 hectares, this project underscored the country’s commitment to renewable energy leadership amid escalating climate challenges.
August - Uniting for climate justice
August 2024 was marked by significant climate anomalies, notably becoming the warmest August on record globally. The average global land and ocean surface temperature was 1.27 °C (2.29 °Fahrenheit) above the 20th Century average of 15.6 °C (60.1°F), continuing a streak of 15 consecutive months with record-high global temperatures.
Additionally, August 2024 witnessed a significant number of fires in Brazil's Amazon rainforest, reaching a 14-year high. Satellite data detected 38,266 fire hotspots during the month, the most for any August since 2010. These fires were exacerbated by severe drought conditions and human activities, particularly deforestation for cattle ranching.
September - Tech and accountability
September marked the launch of the ‘Gaia Sentinel’, a climate monitoring satellite developed by the NASA and the European Space Agency. Equipped with advanced sensors, the satellite provided real time data on methane leaks, deforestation, and ocean heatwaves. This technological innovation empowered Governments and Non-Governmental Organisations to hold industries accountable for emissions and environmental degradation.
Simultaneously, a UN led initiative began using blockchain technology to improve transparency in carbon credit markets, addressing long-standing concerns over greenwashing and fraudulent offset claims.
October - Nature strikes back
October saw Cyclone Zoe devastate the Gulf Coast of the US, becoming the costliest storm in history with damages exceeding $ 300 billion. In Europe, torrential rains led to severe flooding in the United Kingdom and Germany, disrupting lives and infrastructure.
Global attention also turned to biodiversity as the Amazon rainforest experienced its highest deforestation rates in decades. Activists and policymakers intensified calls for the stricter enforcement of environmental protections and increased funding for conservation.
November - COP29
From 11-22 November, Baku, Azerbaijan, hosted the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Delegates from around the world convened to discuss and negotiate actions to address the escalating climate crisis.
The Philippines experienced devastating typhoons, including Toraji and Usagi, causing significant loss of life and displacement, with studies linking their intensity to climate change, while a powerful bomb cyclone struck the Pacific Northwest from 19-20 November, leading to severe weather, power outages, and widespread disruptions.
December - A year in reflection
Significant policy shifts in December 2024 highlighted the evolving dynamics of global climate action and corporate accountability. The European Union's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive set ambitious new standards, requiring detailed disclosures on climate risks and societal impacts, sparking debates about compliance related costs and business related transparency. At the same time, major US banks, including Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs, announced about exiting the UN backed Net-Zero Banking Alliance, reflecting the challenges of balancing voluntary climate commitments with mounting political and regulatory pressures.
The release of the ‘State of the Climate 2024’ report provided a sobering reminder of the stakes. Global temperatures are now perilously close to the 1.5 °C threshold, with projections indicating even greater risks if emissions are not drastically reduced.
As 2024 transitions into 2025, one question looms large - Will humanity rise to meet the escalating climate crisis? The successes of 2024 demonstrate that solutions exist, but, the clock is ticking. The choices made in the coming months will shape the planet’s trajectory for generations to come.
What happens next? Only time will tell. But, one thing is clear. The fight for a sustainable future has never been more urgent.
(The writer is an electronic engineer with a background in information technology and sustainability)
-----------------------------------------------------
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication