The climate has dealt a devastating blow to the planet: Earth is on the brink of disaster. Report for 2024

In an annual report, an international coalition of scientists provided an update on how the Earth is coping with climate change by measuring dozens of categories called "planet vital signs." Experts note that at least 25 of these 35 vital signs have already reached record highs.

Scientists emphasize that the climate has dealt a crushing blow to our planet. The Earth is on the verge of disaster, writes IflScience.

"We are on the verge of an irreversible climate catastrophe. This is undoubtedly a global emergency. Much of the very fabric of life on Earth is at risk," the authors of the study wrote.

One of the most alarming signals is the rapid increase in average temperature. After a record-breaking hot summer, this year could be the hottest on record, experts say.

According to scientists, the rising heat is already having a negative impact on the planet due to melting glaciers. These changes affect biodiversity, as well as human health and well-being.

"Since the publication of our 2023 report, there have been many climate-related disasters, including a series of heat waves across Asia that killed more than a thousand people and caused temperatures to reach 50°C in parts of India," William Ripple, professor of ecology at Oregon State University (OSU) and leader of the new report said in a statement.

"Climate change has already displaced millions or even billions of people. This is likely to lead to greater geopolitical instability. Perhaps even a partial collapse of society," Ripple added.

Climate change is causing unprecedented ocean heating. The water is also becoming more acidic due to increased carbon dioxide absorption.

All of these effects can be directly linked to greenhouse gas emissions, the vast majority of which are the result of burning fossil fuels, the researchers say.

Despite some efforts to limit emissions, annual fossil fuel consumption grew by 1.5 percent in 2023, fueled by increased use of coal (1.6 percent) and oil (2.5 percent), the researchers said.

Researchers say the world needs to limit greenhouse gas emissions first. Experts suggest introducing a global carbon pricing mechanism to limit emissions from rich sectors.

The world's population must realize all the risks associated with climate change, the report says.

"Despite six reports by the International Panel on Climate Change, tens of thousands of scientific papers, and 28 annual meetings of the UN Conference of the Parties, the world has made very little progress in the fight against climate change," said former OSU doctoral student Christopher Wolf.

"The future of humanity depends on creativity, moral integrity, and perseverance. If future generations are to inherit the world they deserve, decisive and swift action is required," Wolf emphasized.

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