Record-Breaking Heatwaves

July 2023 has officially claimed the title of the hottest month ever recorded on Earth, as confirmed by data from the European agency Copernicus. This scorching new record, with an average temperature of 16.95°C, surpasses all previous records for any month. Notably, July 2023 was a staggering 0.72°C hotter than the average for July from 1991 to 2020, and 0.33°C hotter than the previous hottest month, July 2019. Copernicus estimates that July 2023 was approximately 1.5°C hotter than the average temperature between 1850 and 1900.

Global Impact

The impact of this record-breaking month extended beyond just one region. Heatwaves ravaged several areas in the Northern Hemisphere, including Southern Europe, while above-average temperatures were recorded in various countries in South America and a significant portion of Antarctica. The consequences were not limited to land, as the global average sea surface temperature in July soared to 0.51°C higher than the average from 1991 to 2020. In the North Atlantic, the average temperature was an astonishing 1.05°C higher than the usual for this time of year.

Urgent Call for Action

Samantha Burgess, Deputy Director of Copernicus, emphasized the grave implications of these records for both humanity and the planet. The increasing frequency and intensity of extreme events pose a serious threat. Urgent and ambitious efforts are necessary to combat global greenhouse gas emissions, the primary driver behind these record-breaking temperatures. Burgess highlighted that 2023 currently ranks as the third warmest year on record, with a temperature increase of 0.43°C compared to recent averages.

Beyond Temperature Records

The impact of climate change extends far beyond temperature records. The melting of the polar ice caps stands as another alarming consequence. In July, the Antarctic sea ice reached its lowest extent since satellite observations began, measuring 15% below the average for this month. This decline is particularly concerning as the summer months typically involve ice replenishment in the Southern Hemisphere. Furthermore, the effects of climate change are evident in the heightened intensity and frequency of wildfires. Copernicus reported that forest fires in Canada emitted a total of approximately 290 megatonnes of carbon, surpassing the previous record of 138 megatonnes set in 2014.

The Call for Global Action

These alarming records confirm the predictions made by United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, who warned that the world has entered a new era of "global boiling." The urgency to address climate change is undeniable. The global community must take immediate and ambitious action to mitigate the effects of greenhouse gas emissions. While these records are temporary, they emphasize the critical need to stay below the 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Agreement. Prioritizing efforts to reduce emissions and prevent further temperature increases is crucial.

Words of the day

record-breaking : qui bat des records

urgent : urgent(e)