Humanity is on path toward 'climate chaos,' scientists warn

"Industries and individuals around the world burned record amounts of oil, gas and coal last year, releasing more greenhouse gases than ever before, a group of leading scientists said in a new report, warning that humanity is hurtling toward "climate chaos." The surge in global use of fossil fuels in 2024 contributed to extreme weather and devastating disasters including heat waves, storms, floods and wildfires."

""The planet's vital signs are flashing red," the scientists wrote. "The window to prevent the worst outcomes is rapidly closing." Some of the most alarming of Earth's "vital signs" include record heat in the oceans ravaging coral reefs, rapidly shrinking ice sheets and increasing losses of forests burned in fires around the world. They said the extreme intensity of Hurricane Melissa this week is another sign of how the altered climate is threatening lives and communities on an unprecedented scale."

""The climate crisis has reached a really dangerous stage," said William Ripple, the report's co-lead author and a professor at Oregon State University. "It is vital that we limit future warming as rapidly as possible." There is still time to limit the damage, Ripple said. It means switching to cleanly made electricity and clean transportation, and consuming less beef and dairy and reducing other sources of harmful gases. These transitions are happening in some places, though not nearly fast enough."

Global consumption of oil, gas and coal reached record levels in 2024, releasing higher concentrations of greenhouse gases than ever before. The surge in fossil fuel use contributed to extreme weather, including heat waves, storms, floods and wildfires. Oceans reached record heat that devastated coral reefs, ice sheets are shrinking rapidly, and forest losses from fires are increasing. The extreme intensity of Hurricane Melissa exemplifies heightened threats to lives and communities. The window to prevent the worst outcomes is rapidly closing. Rapid emissions reductions are necessary through clean electricity, clean transport, dietary shifts, and faster global transitions. Fossil fuel use fell in China in the first half of the year, but global reductions remain inadequate.

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