Planet Endures Record 12 Months of Unprecedented Heat
According to new data from Copernicus, the European Union’s climate monitoring service, every month from June 2023 to May 2024 was the hottest such month on record globally. The 12-month heat streak, marking a shocking milestone, underscores the impact of human-caused climate change. Carlo Buontempo, Copernicus’ director, warns that without significant reductions in fossil fuel emissions, current records may soon seem mild.
UN Chief Calls for Action Amidst Escalating Climate Crisis
On the same day, UN Secretary General António Guterres condemned fossil fuel companies as “godfathers of climate chaos” and urged countries to ban advertising of fossil fuel products. He warned of tipping points and described the current climate commitments as hanging by a thread, emphasizing the urgent need for global leaders to address the spiraling crisis.
Temperature Rise Exceeds Paris Agreement Limits
Copernicus data reveals that each month since July 2023 has been at least 1.5 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels. This exceeds the goals set by the 2015 Paris Agreement to limit global heating to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Scientists warn that this breach signals increasingly dangerous climate impacts in the near future.
Global Impacts of Escalating Heat
Recent months have seen unprecedented heat waves across the globe, resulting in fatalities, disrupted economies, and damaged health. From India to Southeast Asia, Mexico, and beyond, extreme temperatures have led to deaths, school closures, and agricultural losses, while also intensifying rainfall and destructive storms in various countries.
Humanity at a Critical Juncture
Guterres likened humanity’s impact on the planet to a meteor that led to the extinction of dinosaurs, stating, “We are not only in danger. We are the danger.” He emphasized the urgent need for immediate and drastic cuts in fossil fuel emissions, cessation of new coal projects, and increased support for climate-vulnerable nations.
Future Projections and Urgency of Action
While short-term temperature drops are expected as El Niño weakens, the long-term trend of rising temperatures due to ongoing fossil fuel use remains unchanged. New data suggests a high likelihood of breaking temperature records in the coming years, further challenging global efforts to limit warming to safer levels outlined in the Paris Agreement.
Call for Global Action
Guterres called for a ban on fossil fuel advertisements worldwide and urged wealthy nations to accelerate their transition away from coal and towards renewable energy sources. He stressed the need for equitable climate action to protect vulnerable populations from increasingly lethal weather events and ensure a sustainable future for all.
