2024 was the hottest year on record — here's what that means for climate goals

In this episode of the ESG Insider podcast, we take a deep dive into a new report that found 2024 was the warmest year on record. The report is from the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service, which is the EU's Earth Observation Program and provides information about climate across the world. The report found that average global temperatures for the year were more than 1.5 degrees C above preindustrial levels — the global warming limit set in the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change. "Even if at some point, we overshoot this target, I think we need to continue to pursue efforts to cut global emissions and bring the temperature below 1.5 degrees," Copernicus Senior Scientist Julien Nicolas tells us. In the episode, Julien explains the connection between extreme weather events and climate change. He also talks to us about the importance of adaptation measures alongside mitigation efforts. "Adaptation is really another key aspect of addressing the impact of climate change," Julien says. Read research from S&P Global Sustainable1 about how climate change is exacerbating drought risks here: https://www.spglobal.com/esg/insights/featured/special-editorial/how-climate-change-is-exacerbating-drought-risks Join us to celebrate the 7-year anniversary of this podcast with a live event in NYC on Feb. 6. Register here: https://events.spglobal.com/event/075966b7-f60b-4a45-b489-c35e954d8baf/summary-full-event-info-?RefId=S1EMAIL This piece was published by S&P Global Sustainable1, a part of S&P Global. Copyright ©2025 by S&P Global DISCLAIMER By accessing this Podcast, I acknowledge that S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty, guarantee, or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in this Podcast. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this Podcast are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this Podcast is done at your own risk. This Podcast should not be considered professional advice. Unless specifically stated otherwise, S&P GLOBAL does not endorse, approve, recommend, or certify any information, product, process, service, or organization presented or mentioned in this Podcast, and information from this Podcast should not be referenced in any way to imply such approval or endorsement. The third party materials or content of any third party site referenced in this Podcast do not necessarily reflect the opinions, standards or policies of S&P GLOBAL. S&P GLOBAL assumes no responsibility or liability for the accuracy or completeness of the content contained in third party materials or on third party sites referenced in this Podcast or the compliance with applicable laws of such materials and/or links referenced herein. Moreover, S&P GLOBAL makes no warranty that this Podcast, or the server that makes it available, is free of viruses, worms, or other elements or codes that manifest contaminating or destructive properties. S&P GLOBAL EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL LIABILITY OR RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR OTHER DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY INDIVIDUAL'S USE OF, REFERENCE TO, RELIANCE ON, OR INABILITY TO USE, THIS PODCAST OR THE INFORMATION PRESENTED IN THIS PODCAST.