Unofficial records indicate that the average global temperature has reached a new high for the third time in a week. According to data analyzed by a group of US scientists, the global average temperature on Thursday reached 17.23°C, surpassing the previous record of 17.01°C set on Monday and then exceeded the following day when it reached 17.18°C. Scientists attribute these rising temperatures to both human-induced climate change and the naturally occurring weather phenomenon known as El Niño.
El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is a powerful climate system fluctuation that occurs every three to seven years. During the warming phase of El Niño, warmer waters rise to the surface of the tropical Pacific, transferring heat into the atmosphere. Climate scientists express concern over the breaking of global daily temperature records, considering it a cause for alarm. Friederike Otto, a senior lecturer in climate science at Imperial College London, highlights the importance of this event as a wake-up call for those advocating for increased oil and gas production.
Prior to this week, the previous record was set in August 2016. Experts caution that many societies have not yet adapted to the impacts of more extreme heat on both people and the environment. The temperature readings used in this analysis come from the Climate Reanalyzer tool, which combines data from surface, air balloon, and satellite observations, as well as computer modeling, to assess average global temperatures. While these readings are not an official government record, they are closely monitored as an indicator of temperature fluctuations.
The US weather service National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) stated that it could not officially confirm records based on computer simulations alone, but acknowledged the influence of climate change on the current warm period. Scientists predict that this unusually hot trend will likely continue throughout the summer, with further records being broken. The consequences of higher global temperatures include more intense heatwaves and increased severity of wildfires. Copernicus, the EU's climate monitoring service, reported that last month was the hottest June on record.
The effects of the heatwave are being felt worldwide, with North Africa experiencing temperatures near 50°C and parts of China enduring 40°C temperatures. Southern Europe has also been warned by the European Environment Agency about dangerous conditions for humans on over 60 days this summer. The impact of above-average heat extends to crops, raising the risk of wildfires, and affecting marine environments. Notably, Antarctic sea ice reached its lowest extent for June since satellite observations began, falling 17% below the average.
In response to the escalating climate crisis, governments globally are committed to reducing carbon emissions to achieve net-zero status. Dr. Ceppi, a lecturer in climate science at Imperial College London, explains that global temperatures will only begin to stabilize once the world reaches net-zero emissions, a critical milestone in combating climate change.
