Global Warming: Twelve Consecutive Months of Record Temperatures
In recent months, temperature records have been continuously broken worldwide. In fact, all twelve months of 2023 and 2024 have set new records, marking a concerning trend.
May marked the twelfth consecutive month where the global average temperature reached a record high for that month, as reported by the EU Climate Change Service Copernicus.
According to the report „Indicators of Global Climate Change,“ human-induced global warming has accelerated at an unprecedented rate. Over the past decade (2014 to 2023), temperatures have risen by approximately 0.26 degrees due to human activities, setting a record in instrumental recordings dating back to the 19th century. This increase is higher compared to the previous decade (2004 to 2013) which saw a rise of around 0.20 degrees.
While factors like the natural climate phenomenon El Niño have played a role in these record temperatures, the overall trend of human-induced climate change persists. The report also highlights that the increase in temperatures is attributed to high greenhouse gas emissions and a decrease in cooling aerosols in the atmosphere.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged for urgent action, emphasizing the need to address the escalating global temperatures. The report suggests that there is a limited window for human-produced CO2 emissions before a permanent global warming of 1.5 degrees is reached.
Despite the concerning trends, there is a glimmer of hope with evidence showing a slowdown in the increase of CO2 emissions in the past decade compared to the 2000s. Depending on societal decisions, the current decade could potentially reverse some of these alarming trends.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service of the European Union regularly releases data on surface temperatures, sea ice extent, and precipitation. These insights are derived from computer-generated analyses incorporating billions of measurements from satellites, ships, aircraft, and weather stations worldwide.
As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, it is imperative for global leaders and communities to take decisive and immediate action to mitigate the effects of rising temperatures and ensure a sustainable future for the planet.