2024 Environmental News and Recap

Our planet’s future isn’t often a positive topic of discussion, and it’s admittedly easy to see the negatives. As fluctuating temperatures, unseasonable weather and natural disasters grow more common, it seems we’re headed for an environmental disaster. In truth, there’s still time to change the future’s trajectory, and politicians and entrepreneurs have made incredible progress in the renewable energy sector and other areas of restoration and conservation.

As we close the chapter on 2024, the environmental landscape reflects a period marked by notable progress and setbacks. Here’s a look at some of the key events that shaped the year.

Deepening Climate Crisis and Record Temperatures

We begin with the release of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report on March 20. The document painted a stark picture of the worsening climate crisis and warned of more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and widespread 

Though the opportunity to tackle the climate crisis is narrowing quickly, the IPCC emphasizes that achieving a safe and livable future is still possible. The report presents a message of hope by outlining pathways to mitigate these escalating risks. It points to actionable measures to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, enhance carbon removal and strengthen resilience.

2024 also saw continued record-breaking temperatures, with the global average temperature reaching its highest since records began. World Meteorological Organization data shows the planet’s mean surface air temperature was 1.54 °C (34.77 ℉) hotter than the pre-industrial average from January to September. 

The Renewables Revolution Rages on

Despite these daunting challenges, 2024 witnessed remarkable strides in clean energy adoption. The year saw a significant uptick in solar and wind power capacity, with investments in clean energy technologies reaching new heights. 

The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) ‘Renewables 2024’ report notes a 13% increase in the share of renewables in final energy consumption. In the transport sector, the share figure goes up 6% following the increasing demand for clean fuels for road, marine and air travel. 

Global Biodiversity Frameworks and Ongoing Extinctions

Falling deforestation rates and improved predator management have been pivotal in slowing global biodiversity loss. Conservationists remain cautiously optimistic, but these success stories are worth celebrating nonetheless.

On the other end, the year also revealed the stark reality of the ongoing extinction crisis. The World Wildlife Fund’s Living Planet Report highlighted a staggering decline in global wildlife populations, which have decreased by an average of 73% since 1970.

Ocean Health in Peril From Pollution and Overfishing

The health of our oceans remained a pressing concern throughout 2024 as the impacts of plastic pollution and climate change continued to threaten marine ecosystems. The UN Ocean Conference, held in April, brought together world leaders to reaffirm their commitment to sea protection. The conference also highlighted the substantial work that remains to be done to ensure the health of our oceans for future generations.

Greenwashing Under More Intense Scrutiny

Concerns regarding misleading claims about environmental performance and practices intensified in 2024. The issue has been forefront as consumers and watchdog organizations scrutinized corporate claims and marketing content. Several high-profile companies faced accusations of greenwashing, leading to calls for stronger regulations and consumer awareness.

These painstaking efforts appear to have paid off, with a reported 12% decline in global greenwashing cases across all sectors. 

Compromised Ecosystems & Alternative Materials

The non-biodegradable properties of plastic make it an enormous threat to marine life. Many animals are unable to differentiate the material from their food, and an estimated 90 percent of seagulls have shards of plastic in their gut. In consideration of the unsettling fact that nine million tons of plastic enter oceans every year, the number of affected seabirds will only continue to grow, representing an enormous disruption in the ecosystem with severe consequences.

There’s hope for the future as a greater number of people adopt eco-friendly alternatives to plastic. Society’s growing awareness of the issue has led to an increase in the popularity of bamboo straws and compostable utensils made from cornstarch, simple solutions which divert massive amounts of waste from the ocean. Many cities, states and countries are beginning to restrict plastic bags, and Prime Minister Theresa May has outlined a plan to ban plastic straws.

The Global Food Supply and New Strains of Crops

Rising temperatures linked to climate change could hurt crop yields on a global scale. The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences published a study claiming that for every degree (Celsius) the Earth warms, corn yields would decrease by an average of 7.4 percent. Wheat yields would drop by an average of 6 percent, soybean yields by 3.1 percent and rice yields by 3.2 percent — all disconcerting to think about.

As temperatures rise, however, scientists continue to develop new strains of crops to deal with climate extremes. They’re preparing for a future where intense changes in temperatures and weather conditions cause short-term droughts and other issues that compromise agriculture. That said, everyone can do their part, and those who make a vegetarian diet part of their New Year’s resolutions are helping to decrease greenhouse gases and extend the global food supply.

Climate Refugees and Renewable Energy Initiatives

In other environmental news, researchers estimate two billion people will have to flee their homes by the year 2100 due to rising sea levels. The problem will reach the U.S. in susceptible states such as Florida. Around the world, flooded coastlines will force refugees to search for safety on higher ground. Charles Geisler, the lead author of the study, predicts other conflicts such as the issues policymakers will inevitably face when they have to address migration for displaced families.

While the study is troubling, countries across the globe have organized renewable energy initiatives with the potential to change the future. In places such as Tunisia, Wales and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, politicians and entrepreneurs have planned ambitious projects and programs to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels. Through solar, wind, geothermal and tidal technology, they intend to make a massive transition toward clean energy.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on the events of 2024, it is clear that the path to a sustainable future remains fraught with challenges. While the environmental crisis continues to escalate, there is also a growing recognition of the need for urgent and collective action. 

In 2025, key priorities will include accelerating the transition to renewable energy, addressing the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities and promoting circular economy practices.

A Better Balance With the Planet Is Possible

More than that, a better balance with the planet is plausible. Eco-friendly solutions such as alternative materials and renewable energy initiatives are promising, and as scientists develop new strains of crops, it’s clear we’re capable of adapting to the inevitable challenges that lie ahead.

Despite excessive waste, rising temperatures and sea levels, a compromised food supply and climate-related illnesses, not all the environmental news this year was negative. As countries acknowledge the threat of global warming and act with a greater awareness of their impact, the world is changing positively.

This post was updated on December 10, 2024, with more recent information.