Scientists have confirmed that 2024 broke all temperature records in measured history. Data shows Earth was 1.6°C hotter than pre-industrial times, based on over 1 billion global temperature readings collected across decades.
Simple data can tell powerful stories, and the climate stripes that were first visualised by Ed Hawkins use colour to tell this story.
The climate stripes
175 colored stripes, one for each year since 1850. Cold years appear in blue and hot years in red, making the message clear at first glance.

These climate stripes have become a global symbol for climate action. For 2024, Ed Hawkins has added a new dark red stripe – a colour first needed in 2023 when previous records fell.
Global temperatures
While global temperature averages matter, local experiences vary. The UK recorded its fourth-hottest year (UK Met Office), and according to the German Weather Service (DWD), Germany experienced its warmest year ever measured.

Climate statistics from 2024 show the UK is heading outside of the ‘envelope of historical weather observations’.
Our fossil fuel use has driven this change, leading to more severe weather events worldwide. Research from Carbon Brief shows that 83% of extreme weather events in 2024 were intensified by human-caused climate change.
The heat also dried soils and forests, increasing fire risks and the Los Angeles wildfires showed how these impacts affect even wealthy regions.
Atmospheric moisture
Beyond global temperature changes, 2024 set records for atmospheric moisture content, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).

Higher water vapour levels matter because:
- Water vapour acts as a greenhouse gas
- Ocean warming increases evaporation
- Each degree Celsius allows the air to hold 7% more moisture
- More moisture means heavier rainfall
Spain and Dubai faced serious consequences from these changes in 2024.
The future of our planet
Two possible futures lie ahead:
- Quick action to cut emissions could slow or stop warming
- Delayed action could make 2024 seem cool compared to future years
But hope remains—we can still act. Our current choices will shape future temperatures, and the path we choose today will shape tomorrow’s climate. Earlier action means better outcomes.
Climate Stripes graphic Professor Ed Hawkins (University of Reading)
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