The WMO confirms 2024 as one of the warmest years on record as global climate lawsuits double since 2020, putting pressure on leaders and corporations.

The World Meteorological Organization confirmed 2024 as one of the warmest years on record as climate‑related lawsuits doubled since 2020, underscoring mounting pressure on governments and firms.

Heat records and climate impacts

The agency said global average temperatures this year were within 0.2°C of the 2016 peak, reinforcing a decade‑long upward trend. In its latest assessment, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reported that extreme heat events are intensifying and that sea‑level rise is accelerating, threatening coastal communities worldwide.

Legal pressure mounts

Data compiled by climate‑justice monitors indicate that the number of lawsuits filed against major corporations and national governments rose to 1,274 in 2024, double the total recorded in 2020. Plaintiffs allege failure to meet emissions targets and seek compensation for damages linked to rising temperatures.

Biodiversity and urban greening

The United Nations Environment Programme released its annual review, stating that protected‑area coverage grew to 15% of land and sea surfaces, yet many species remain at risk of extinction. The report also highlighted urban rewilding projects in London and Birmingham, where city councils have converted vacant lots into native‑plant habitats, creating corridors for pollinators and reducing heat islands.

• Paris Agreement targets remain unmet by several major economies
• Plastic‑pollution reduction efforts fell short of 2025 goals
• Citizen‑science networks contributed over 1.2 million species observations in 2024

Implementation challenges persist as nations scramble to align national policies with the Paris Agreement framework. Some governments have postponed key legislative steps, prompting criticism from environmental ministries that the delay jeopardises the 2030 emissions ceiling.

Community‑led initiatives continue to expand. Local conservation groups in Kenya, Brazil and the Philippines reported successful reforestation drives that planted more than 3.5 million trees this year. Meanwhile, citizen‑science platforms recorded unprecedented participation in air‑quality monitoring, feeding real‑time data to researchers.

From Earth Day to today

Since the first Earth Day on 22 April 1970, public awareness of environmental issues has shifted from isolated conservation projects to coordinated global action. Decades of scientific research, policy development and advocacy have shaped the current agenda, which now links climate mitigation, biodiversity protection and social equity.

Overall, the latest data paint a picture of urgent risk coupled with pockets of progress. While temperature records climb and legal actions rise, urban greening and citizen engagement offer tangible pathways toward a more resilient future.