The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said on Monday that amidst increasing temperatures, extreme precipitations and flooding, a plethora of evidence continues to suggest that climate change is mainly a consequence of human activities and related greenhouse gases.
Coinciding with World Meteorological Day, WMO on Monday released a detailed statement on 2014's weather trends across the globe.
WMO Secretary-General Michel Jarraud stated that in light of the report and future predictions, "the cost of inaction is high and will become even higher" if significant steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are not taken.
Under WMO's "climate change for climate knowledge" theme, Jarraud also stressed that key improvements have enabled better predictions to be made, and that a deeper understanding of weather systems and man's effect on the climate can render climate change more manageable.
According to the Statement on the Status of the Climate in 2014, the mean global temperature increased by 0.57°C compared to the 1961-1990 average of 14°C, making it the warmest year to date. Surface melting of Greenland's ice sheet was also above the 1981-2010 average in June, July and August.
An increase in surface sea-temperature has also been noted, with major consequences for the future as the ocean absorbs 93 percent of excess heat. Mean precipitation remained close to its long-term average of 1,033 mm.
According to the report, the importance of the UN-led Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) spearheaded by the WMO and set up in 2009 remains tangible as over 70 countries lack basic climate services.