Record Heat, Rising Seas: AMS Report Highlights Escalating Climate Crisis in 2024

The American Meteorological Society (AMS) released its 35th annual "State of the Climate" report on August 14, 2025, presenting a comprehensive analysis of global climate indicators for the year 2024. The report, compiled by 589 scientists from 58 countries, reveals several alarming records that underscore the accelerating impacts of climate change.

According to the report, carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentrations reached 422.8 parts per million (ppm) in 2024, marking a 52% increase from pre-industrial levels. This surge in greenhouse gases has contributed to a significant rise in global temperatures. The annual global surface temperature was between 1.13 to 1.30 degrees Fahrenheit above the 1991–2020 average, making 2024 the warmest year on record.

Sea surface temperatures also set new records, with daily averages at unprecedented levels from early 2024 until late June. The global ocean heat content reached new highs, and the global mean sea level rose for the 13th consecutive year, now approximately 4 inches above the 1993 average. Additionally, all 58 global reference glaciers lost mass, resulting in the greatest average ice loss in the 55-year record.

The report highlights the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events. In 2024, the global average number of excessively humid days over land surged to 35.6 days more than normal, 9.5 days more than the previous record in 2023. This trend poses significant risks to public health, agriculture, and economies worldwide.

Climate scientist Laura Stevens noted, "2024 appears to be another year marked by extreme weather events." Experts warn that unless greenhouse gas emissions are significantly reduced, more climate extremes are inevitable.

The findings of the 2024 "State of the Climate" report have profound implications for societies worldwide. Elevated temperatures and humidity levels increase the risk of heat-related illnesses and deaths. Extreme weather events, such as droughts and floods, have led to significant reductions in crop yields, causing substantial food price spikes. The increased frequency and severity of climate-related disasters strain economies, leading to higher insurance costs, infrastructure damage, and resource allocation challenges. Rising sea levels and extreme weather events contribute to the displacement of populations, leading to increased migration and potential socio-political tensions.

The 2024 "State of the Climate" report serves as a stark reminder of the accelerating impacts of climate change and the urgent need for comprehensive mitigation and adaptation strategies.