2024 will go down in history as the hottest year ever recorded, marking an alarming milestone in the escalating climate crisis. Global temperatures shattered previous records, surpassing the critical threshold of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for the first time in history. This alarming development, long forewarned by scientists, highlights the urgency of addressing the root causes of global warming, including the significant role played by major fossil fuel companies.

Data collected by meteorological agencies worldwide confirmed that 2024 was a sign of a new, more volatile climate era. The year saw an unprecedented series of heatwaves that scorched continents, devastating wildfires from Canada to Australia, and prolonged droughts in regions already grappling with water scarcity. These events, coupled with warming oceans and melting polar ice, painted a grim picture of a planet under severe stress.

The breach of the 1.5°C threshold is particularly significant. It represents the upper limit that scientists and policymakers have long agreed would help avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change, as outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement. However, surpassing this limit in 2024 illustrates how close humanity is to lock in irreversible changes, such as the collapse of critical ecosystems, sea-level rise threatening coastal cities, and escalating extreme weather events.

While natural climate variability contributed to the record-breaking heat, the primary driver remains human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. Decades of burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activity have pumped vast amounts of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, disrupting the Earth’s delicate climate balance. Central to this narrative are the world’s largest oil and gas companies, often referred to as “Big Oil”.

The role of these corporations cannot be overstated. Despite being aware of the devastating effects of their operations on the environment for decades, many continued to invest heavily in fossil fuel extraction and lobbying against climate regulations. Reports have surfaced showing how some companies intentionally downplayed or dismissed climate science to protect their profits, delaying the global transition to cleaner energy.

Even in 2024, as the impacts of climate change became undeniably evident, these companies announced record profits driven by high oil and gas demand. Though increasing, Big Oil’s investments in renewable energy remain a fraction of its overall expenditures, raising questions about its commitment to a sustainable future. Critics argue that these corporations have prioritised short-term financial gain over long-term environmental stability, contributing significantly to the current crisis.

The consequences of the hottest year on record are far-reaching. Vulnerable communities, particularly in developing countries, have suffered the most from the impacts, from failing crops and food insecurity to displacement due to rising seas and extreme weather. The disparity between those who contribute the least to climate change and those who suffer the most from its effects has never been starker, amplifying calls for climate justice. A lot of activists voiced this injustice at COP29 and called for accountability and equity for Africa as the least contributor to the climate crisis but the continent that suffers the most from the impacts.

As the world reflects on the record-breaking heat of 2024, it is clear that action is not just necessary; it is overdue. Governments, industries, and individuals must intensify efforts to reduce emissions, transition to renewable energy, and build resilience against the impacts of a warming planet. Holding major polluters accountable is critical to ensuring that they play a meaningful role in reversing the damage caused by decades of inaction.

The lessons from 2024 must serve as a wake-up call. Breaching the 1.5°C threshold, even temporarily, shows that the window for action is rapidly closing. The decisions made in the coming years will determine whether the planet moves toward a sustainable, equitable future or locks in a trajectory of worsening climate instability. The choice is clear, but time is running out.