2024 was warmest year on record

Reacting to confirmation by the Copernicus Climate Change Service today that 2024 was the warmest year on record globally, and the first calendar year that the average global temperature exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, Friends of the Earth’s head of policy Mike Childs, said:

“This is another deeply disturbing warning that our planet is rapidly heating.

“Hundreds of millions of people across the world already face life-changing risks from extreme weather, such as storms, floods and droughts. Without rapid action to slash emissions, countless more will be severely threatened.

“We urgently need climate leadership. Keir Starmer must seize the opportunity to put a transformative agenda in motion when his government publishes its new climate action plan later this year.

“The positive news is that building a greener future isn’t just good for the planet, it’s good for people and the economy too.

“That’s why we need bold policies that not only get UK climate targets back on track, but also ensures everyone benefits from the transition to a zero-carbon economy through cheap homegrown renewables, well-insulated warm homes, cleaner cars and better public transport.

“Future generations will pay a heavy price if decisive climate action falls victim to culture wars and political point scoring.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. The current UK climate action plan, published by the previous Rishi Sunak administration, was found to be unlawful last year following legal challenges by Friends of the Earth, ClientEarth and Good Law Project. This was the second time in less than two years that the government’s carbon reduction polices were found to be unlawful. The High Court has ordered a revised plan to be drawn up by early May 2025.