European Commission just released climate data for February Copernicus program And they do not hope. They show once again that climate change is advancing in giant strides and that if we do not act soon, the consequences will be increasingly catastrophic. Data such as Antarctic ice reached its historical low or what we had second warmest winter registered in Europe are only a small selection of everything contained in the report.
Actually, in this report of Copernicus we see that February 2023 It was a month of contrasts. It is very hot in some places and very cold in others, and also in regions extremely dry and others in which precipitation they have become a problem. The usual reality of climate change.
But, undoubtedly, the climate data concerning ice, both Antarctic and Arctic, are of most concern. Its rapid disappearance is a good indicator of the rate of climate change. In addition, we know that it is the preamble to sea level rise that can be very dangerous. So once again Copernicus puts on the table the need to act as soon as possible. Otherwise, when each report is worse than the last, it may be too late.
Role of Copernicus
Copernicus program. launched in 1998to track climate data from both Europe and the rest of the world. Data collected from satellites, ships, aircraft and weather stations around the world is used and compared to previous records, some of which reach 45 years.
In connection with the latter, it is important to note that in reality, when we talk about extreme data, the lowest or the highest, we are talking about those since records exist. But that doesn’t make it any less extreme, of course.
Finally, this climate data from Copernicus generates monthly reports with which to track climate change. Near public recordsso anyone can access them for greater awareness of the situation we are facing.
Climate data for Antarctic and Arctic ice
Ice loss is an excellent indicator of the progress of climate change. And the data for February is very alarming in this regard, especially in the south. According to the report of Copernicus, the area of Antarctic ice was lowest since records exist. Much lower because 34% lower than in 2017where the previous record was set. In addition, if we focus on the daily expansion, it will also reach an all-time low.
As for the Arctic, here the area of ice 4% below averageranking second in the rankings since there are entries.
All this, unsurprisingly, could lead to a dangerous rise in sea levels, so it is an indicator of how relevant this is right now. take action.
winter of extremes
Although there are still a few winter days left in the northern hemisphere, with weather data for february We can already get an idea of what this season has been like. And, again, we see that climate change is very noticeable.
According to the report of Copernicus, this winter was second warmest on record in Europe. Temperatures were well above average, especially in the east and northeast of the continent. In addition, winters in the northern hemisphere were much drier than the European average. especially in the west and southeast. Instead, wetter-than-average conditions have been measured in parts of the Iberian Peninsula and a large southwest-northeast region across the continent.
As for other continents, “this winter has been wetter than average in western North America, western Russia, part of Central Asia, northern Australia, southern Brazil and southern Africa“. On the other hand, “drier regions included Mexico, most of Central Asia, the Horn of Africa, southern Australia and most of South America.“.
What does Copernicus say about February temperatures?
If we focus only on the month of February, and not on the whole season, we will also see some records. Let’s start with the fact that in 2023 the second month of the year was fifth warmest around the world as long as records exist.
“In most of Europe, the air temperature was above average, especially in northern Norway and Sweden, as well as in the Svalbard region. Above average temperatures were observed in the eastern United States, northern Russia, as well as in Pakistan and India. Temperatures were below average in the Iberian Peninsula, Turkey, the western United States, Canada, northeast Russia and northern Australia.
Copernicus Report, February 2023
In short, like every month, Copernicus shows us that the planet is in danger. The climate data is, by all accounts, getting more extreme, and virtually every report includes some sort of new entry. Breaking records is good in other ways, but not in this one. That is why it is urgent to look for solutions.
Source: Hiper Textual
