Climate change: the past 12 months have already become the hottest on record

The Earth just recorded a streak of the hottest 12 months in its history. Between November 2022 and October 2023, the planet reported the average global temperature is 1.3°C above pre-industrial temperatures. A new study published by global organization Climate Central explains that one in four people have personally experienced dangerous heatwaves in recent months.

Climate Central once again warns that this is all a consequence of burning gasoline, coal, natural gas and other fossil fuels. This activity continues to push the planet toward what scientists have called the “point of no return”: when the record is 1.5°C higher than pre-industrial temperatures. A moment that was expected to occur in the next decade, but is now expected to occur in the next six years.

The organization’s report also explained that 7.3 billion people experienced at least 10 days of high temperatures during the year, which was at least three times more likely due to climate change. That is, the impact of the climate crisis is already felt by 90% of the planet’s inhabitants.

During these months, the warmest summer in the northern hemisphere was recorded on Earth. And last July officially became the hottest month on record. So it’s no surprise that 2023 is already shaping up to be the hottest year on record.

Climate change requires urgent action

“People know things are weird, but they don’t necessarily know why. “They are not related to the fact that we are still burning coal, oil and natural gas,” said Climate Central scientist Andrew Pershing. AP. In 2022 About 36.8 billion tons of polluting gases were released. the highest number to date.

“I think what this year’s data has really revealed is that no one is safe. “At some point during the year, everyone has experienced unusual heat caused by weather conditions,” Pershing added. Climate Central a year ago developed a measurement tool called the Climate Change Index, which measures the impact of climate change (if any) on the heat we experience.

The organization’s scientists compare currently recorded temperatures to a simulated world without warming due to climate change. To do this, they use observations and computer modeling by scientists from the USA and Europe.

So, for example, they were able to determine that Jamaicans experienced high temperatures this year that were at least four times more likely to occur due to climate change. Or what in India, 86% of the population experienced at least 30 days of high temperatures.which the climate crisis has made at least three times more likely.

On the threshold of new climate negotiations

The El Niño climate phenomenon is just beginning to raise temperatures, the organization’s peer-reviewed report highlights. Based on historical patterns, Most of the effects of global warming will be felt next year. “Rapid reductions in carbon dioxide emissions each year are necessary to reverse the warming trend,” the Climate Central report insists.

Climate change will bring governments around the world together later this month to negotiate new action. UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) will be held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12.

“It’s like being on an escalator and being surprised that you’re going up,” said Jason Smerdon, a climate scientist at Columbia University. AP. “We know things are getting hotter, this has been predicted for decades.” With everything and this Fossil fuel production will double in 2030, which is recommended for climate protection. according to a report released this week by the United Nations Environment Programme.