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.

The UK warming stripes show average annual temperatures from 1884 to 2024. Ed Hawkins
The UK warming stripes show average annual temperatures from 1884 to 2024. Ed Hawkins

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.

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Climate statistics from 2024 show the UK is heading outside of the ‘envelope of historical weather observations’.

UK Met Office

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).

2024 had a record amount of water vapour in the atmosphere. Copernicus Climate Change Service
2024 had a record amount of water vapour in the atmosphere. Copernicus Climate Change Service

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:

  1. Quick action to cut emissions could slow or stop warming
  2. 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) 

  • Louise Towler, Kanoppi Founder

    Louise Towler

    Founder of Kanoppi and WordPress agency Indigo Tree, with deep expertise in WordPress websites, technical SEO and commercial performance for clients across the UK.