2024 on track to be hottest year on record: report

The year 2024 is on track to be the warmest year on record after an extended period of notably high monthly global mean temperatures, according to a report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The report was released during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, or COP29, taking place from Monday to Nov. 22 in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

The global mean surface air temperature from January to September was 1.54 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial average, driven by a warming El Nino event, according to an analysis of six international datasets employed by the WMO.

The report also noted that 2015-2024 will be the warmest 10 years on record, with accelerating ice loss from glaciers, rising sea levels, and ocean heating.

The Paris Agreement aims to keep the long-term global average surface temperature increase well below two degrees above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the warming to 1.5 degrees.

This year's climate conference is aimed at seeking a new climate change funding goal to replace the existing collective target of mobilizing and providing 100 billion U.S. dollars annually by developed countries in support of developing countries.

The conference will also focus on such topics as the global carbon trading market and the global energy transition from fossil fuels.

2024 on track to be hottest year on record: report

2024 on track to be hottest year on record: report

Giant panda twin cubs, Qian Ran and Qian Yi, officially began their outdoor activities on Wednesday at Shanghai Wild Animal Park according to a plan to help them better adapt to the natural environment.

The twins, one male and one female, are now seven months old. They were seen climbing, playing together, and drinking milk from bowls, delighting visitors at the outdoor area with their cute movements.

Older sister Qian Ran showed more curiosity about the swing. After feeling its gentle sway, she moved on to challenge the large yellow rolling drum toy. Her brother Qian Yi, meanwhile, tried to climb to the top of a wooden climbing frame. Their endearingly clumsy antics had visitors reaching for their cameras.

"Today is my first time seeing Qian Ran and Qian Yi outdoors, and I'm super happy," said a tourist.

The twins were born on Aug 22, 2025, to their mother Qian Jin, marking her first birth. Now both cubs weigh over 14 kilograms and are growing well, with strong physiques and energetic personalities.

The siblings are still primarily fed on their mother's milk and supplemental formula. The park said the cubs' outdoor time is currently limited to under 30 minutes and will be gradually extended.

Twin panda cubs at Shanghai zoo officially begin outdoor adventures