2024 Hottest Year on Record
The World Meteorological Organization confirms the record, with impacts increasingly visible in Croatia, from agriculture to tourism.
The World Meteorological Organization confirms the record, with impacts increasingly visible in Croatia, from agriculture to tourism.
The average global air temperature in 2024 was the highest since records began, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Scientists warn that a rise of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels could lead to irreversible consequences for ecosystems, and data show the world is dangerously close to that threshold.
Extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, and floods, are becoming more frequent and intense. Croatia recorded an unprecedented number of heatwaves in 2024, with inland temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. The Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) issued a series of warnings, including a red alert for dangerous heat.
The drought caused significant losses to Croatia's agricultural sector, impacting yields of wheat, corn, and olives. Meanwhile, the tourist season was heavily affected by extreme heat, altering visitor habits and boosting interest in destinations with milder climates.
Storms with strong winds and heavy rain caused extensive material damage across the country, particularly in Dalmatia and Slavonia. Local communities are facing the costs of infrastructure repair, while experts call for urgent adaptation to new climate conditions.
Despite international agreements like the Paris Agreement, global greenhouse gas emissions continue to increase. Scientists emphasize that reducing emissions is crucial to slowing warming, but concrete global progress has so far been lacking.
Experts from DHMZ and the Ministry of Environmental Protection stress the need for investment in early warning systems, adaptation of agricultural practices, and planning a tourism offering resilient to climate change. Climate activists warn that time for action is running out.
