Shrinking snowpack, rising seas and smoke in the stratosphere mark the Pacific Northwest's changing climate — echoing global trends laid out in a sweeping new international report.
Why it matters: The 2024 "State of the Climate" report, compiled with data from hundreds of scientists worldwide, confirms Earth just had its hottest year on record — with rising humidity, soaring ocean temps and record greenhouse gases.
Threat level: The Pacific Northwest was flagged for its vulnerability to wildfire smoke as well as above-average warmth and shifting precipitation.
Stunning stat: "The global average number of high humid heat days ... over land reached a record of 35.6 days more than normal in 2024, surpassing the previous record set in 2023 by 9.5 days," per a U.K. Met Office analysis.
These humid-heat events limit the body's ability to cool itself, creating potentially life-threatening situations conditions.
By the numbers: Key climate indicators hit record highs in 2024, including greenhouse gases, global temperatures, global sea level and ocean heat, per the report.
Atmospheric concentrations of COâ‚‚, methane and nitrous oxide hit new highs, with COâ‚‚ now 52% above preindustrial levels.
2024 was the hottest year on record, and the last 10 years were the warmest decade.
Global sea surface temperatures were the warmest in the 171-year record.
What we're watching: "Unfortunately, it looks like we are seeing yet another year of extreme weather," said Laura Stevens, a climate scientist who edited the study's North America section.
