Remember the summer of 2023? With record temperatures across Alberta, a record number of wildfires and record-breaking hours of smoke combined with a prolonged drought that devastated crops, 2023 was challenging for Alberta.
Wait a second. The same could be said for 2024. Alberta’s scorching July and the devastating Jasper wildfire broke more temperature records, but surely it wasn’t as bad as in 2023?
Well… it was.
According to numerous agencies, 2024 was the hottest the Earth experienced since the start of global temperature records in the mid-1800s – and likely for thousands of years before.
2024 was the first time that average global temperatures at the planet’s surface exceeded 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, and it was the first time that global temperatures reached the equivalent of the 2015 Paris Agreement’s 1.5C limit.
Denial or Alarm?
But first, let’s address the elephant in the room: the debate over whether human-generated CO2 pollution drives climate change.
To better understand these arguments, it’s helpful to consider them in context. In her book The Language of Climate Politics, Genevieve Guenther outlines a spectrum of perspectives on climate change, ranging from “deniers” to “doomers.” Your position on this spectrum often shapes how you interpret news about the warming climate.
Where do you see yourself on this spectrum?
Deniers
Deniers argue that the Earth has historically experienced natural warming and cooling cycles, and they believe the current warming trend is simply part of this pattern. They find it implausible that human activity could drive a global shift in the climate.
Lukewarmers
This group acknowledges climate change due to human activity. However, they emphasize that the impacts of global warming will not be as severe as scientists and climate agencies suggest. They view global warming as a “manageable problem,” comparable to other challenges humanity has addressed, such as acid rain in the 1980s.
Techno-optimists
They believe human carbon pollution is the primary cause of climate change but are confident that technological advancements will provide solutions. Carbon capture, solar geoengineering, hydrogen, and micro-nuclear technologies are frequently mentioned as strategies for achieving a net-zero economy while continuing to use fossil fuels to support these innovations. Premier Danielle Smith shares this perspective.
The Alarmed
These individuals are the activists in the climate movement, driven by their urgent concern about the looming threat of climate disaster. They emphasize that achieving net-zero emissions will require bold and unprecedented legislative and executive actions to slow the pace of climate change. This group advocates an immediate end to fossil fuel use and establishing a decarbonized economy. They warn that failure to act will severely affect human life and the natural environment.
Doomers
Doomers argue that halting global warming is impossible, as they believe we have already passed the point of no return. They also predict that rising temperatures will lead to the collapse of civilization within the next few decades.
The 2024 Numbers
Data from 2024 highlights a rapidly warming climate. Regardless of whether you believe this warming is part of a natural cycle or caused by human activity, its impacts are undeniable and widespread. From evacuations due to wildfires to property damage from increasingly severe hailstorms or even the need to install air conditioning to cope with rising temperatures, few have escaped the effects of our changing environment. Below are some of the most striking climate statistics from 2024, summarized by Carbon Brief.
- Global temperatures set a new record each month between January and June, extending a 15-month record-setting stretch which began in 2023.
- The last 10 years are the 10 hottest on record.
- July 10, 2024 was the hottest day recorded by humans.
- Global temperatures over the world’s land regions – where humans live and primarily experience climate impacts – were a record 2.3C above pre-industrial levels.
- Global sea surface temperatures set a new record at 1.1C above pre-industrial levels.
- It was the warmest year on record in more than 100 countries – including China, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Brazil, Greece, Malaysia and South Korea – and in areas where a total of 3.3 billion people live.
- Cumulative ice loss from the world’s glaciers and the Greenland ice sheet reached a new record high in 2024, contributing to sea level rise.
- Concentrations reached record carbon dioxide (CO2), methane and nitrous oxide levels.
Working Together
Instead of engaging in polarized debates about climate change, Albertans should focus on how a changing climate might impact their families and communities. Preparing for more extreme and unpredictable weather is essential.
Is your house climate resilient? Can you keep your family safe when temperatures hit +40 or -40 degrees Celsius? Do you have backup power when the electrical grid crashes? Is your home in a flood zone? Do you know what to do when a tornado is headed your way? Do you have a family go bag if you are forced to evacuate? Do you have a plan for your pets in case of evacuation? Have you firesmarted your property? Do you have cash ready in case the internet and banking system goes down?
Acknowledging that the climate is warming—whatever the cause—can help us better prepare.
Albertans have consistently demonstrated resilience and solidarity during crises, from the 2013 floods to the Fort McMurray and Jasper wildfires. When disaster strikes, we come together to support one another.
Let recent headlines serve as a call to action. Instead of assigning blame, we must unite to face the challenges of a changing climate. That’s the Alberta way.
