France, March 19 -- Record numbers of people were forced to flee their homes due to climate-related disasters in 2024, the United Nations reported on Wednesday, highlighting the urgent need for global early warning systems.

More than 800,000 people were displaced by extreme weather events last year- the highest yearly number since records began in 2008, according to the State of the Global Climate report released by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).

The report also confirmed 2024 as the hottest year on record, with global temperatures exceeding the 1.5C threshold for the first time.

"In response, WMO and the global community are intensifying efforts to strengthen early warning systems and climate services," said WMO Secretar...