Record-breaking temperatures have become the new normal, as February 2024 has been declared the hottest month ever recorded worldwide. The Copernicus Climate Change Service of the EU reported that February’s temperature exceeded normal levels by 0.81°C based on data from 1991 to 2020 and by 1.77°C compared to the pre-industrial period from 1850 to 1900.
This is the ninth consecutive month of record-breaking temperatures. The average global temperature over the past year reached a record high of 1.56°C above pre-industrial levels.
Mother Nature needs some TLC
The soaring temperatures have not only affected Europe, where February temperatures went to 3.3°C above the average from 1991 to 2020, particularly affecting central and eastern regions, but globally as well. Global sea surface temperatures in February, excluding polar regions, peaked at an unprecedented 21.06°C, surpassing the previous record set in August 2023.
Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service highlighted the continuous warming trend and emphasized the critical need to curb greenhouse gas emissions to prevent further temperature extremes. Dr. Friederike Otto from Imperial College London stressed the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels to mitigate the worsening impacts of climate change-associated extreme weather events.
Also read: Typhoon Haikui: Hong Kong Records Heaviest Rainfall In 140 Years, Several Fatalities Reported
The consequences of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent and it’s clear that urgent action is needed to address the crisis. The world needs to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources before it’s too late.
What do you think of the story? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
