Guterres: «Extreme temperatures are no longer a phenomenon»
The last three days have been the hottest since weather records began. The records are a result of climate change. Heat will become the norm in the future, says UN Secretary-General Guterres, urging political leaders of the world to finally take action.
According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the world must adapt to permanently raised temperatures in the summer due to the climate crisis. "The last Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday were the three hottest days since weather records began. Let's face the facts: Extreme temperatures are no longer a phenomenon that lasts a day, a week, or a month," Guterres said in New York.
Climate change also causes hurricanes, floods, droughts, forest fires, and rising sea levels. To combat these deadly disasters, humanity must address the root cause of the climate crisis: "The disease is our dependence on fossil fuels, the disease is our inaction regarding climate - and political leaders of all countries must wake up and engage," Guterres added.
Above-average high temperatures in Antarctica
According to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service, the last Sunday was the warmest day on Earth since at least 1940. Preliminary data shows that the global daily average temperature reached a record high of 17.09 degrees Celsius on that day. This surpassed the previous record of 17.08 degrees Celsius from July 6, 2023.
The significant increase in daily global average temperature, according to Copernicus, is due to significantly above-average temperatures over large parts of Antarctica. Additionally, the Antarctic sea ice extent is almost as low as it was at the same time last year, leading to above-average temperatures over parts of the Southern Ocean.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service of the European Union regularly publishes data on temperature at the Earth's surface, sea ice extent, and precipitation. The findings are based on computer-generated analyses that incorporate billions of satellite, ship, aircraft, and weather station measurements from around the world. The data used go back to 1950, with some earlier data also available.
- In light of these alarming temperature trends, Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, emphasizes the need for extensive education about climate change, urging global leaders to take decisive action.
- The dire consequences of climate change are evident in the recent surge of forest fires, droughts, and heat waves, which threaten not only ecosystems but also human livelihoods.
- Recognizing the undeniable link between climate change and extreme weather events, marine researchers are increasingly focusing on sea level rise and its impact on coastal communities and marine ecosystems.
- Antonio Guterres warned that climate change could exacerbate natural disasters like floods, urging political leaders to prioritize adaptation strategies and invest in sustainable infrastructure.
- As a result of climate change, marine ecosystems and the livelihoods that depend on them are at risk, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated global action and investment in marine research and conservation.
