Monthly heat records are being set consecutively for the past year.
Troubling Trend: By 2023, a multitude of temperature records were shattered. In 2024, this pattern persisted, fueled by environmental changes. A recent climate report suggests that due to human actions, the temperature significantly rose by approximately 0.26 degrees Celsius within the last decade.
For nearly a year, monthly global records were exceeded, with the Earth heating up at an alarming rate as reported by the EU Climate Service Copernicus. Also, human-driven climate change is accelerating at an unprecedented rate, according to the "Indicators of Global Climate Change" report (IGCC).
To put this into perspective, in the past decade (2014-2023), the temperature rose by roughly 0.26 degrees Celsius on account of human endeavors. However, a decade ago (2004-2013), it only increased by an approximate 0.20 degrees Celsius.
When assessing these record values, it's crucial to consider the influence of natural climate patterns. El Niño seems to play a more significant role in recent years. The IGCC report mentions that two main factors contribute to the increase in temperature. Firstly, enhanced greenhouse gas emissions are driving it up. Secondly, the amount of atmospheric cooling agents like aerosols has lessened. Additionally, the reduction of sulfate aerosols is due to stricter regulations on cleaner marine fuel.
Carlo Buontempo, Copernicus Director, said, "Although the series of record months will eventually come to a halt, the underlying indication of climate change remains intact. There's no sign of a change in this trajectory."
The Copernicus data reveals that May was 1.52 degrees Celsius warmer compared to the pre-industrial reference period (1850-1900). The average global temperature for the past twelve months (June 2023-May 2024) also set new records, being 1.63 degrees Celsius warmer than the pre-industrial level.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, criticized inaction once again, emphasizing the need to act quickly. "We're needlessly risking our planet. We must leave the road to climate catastrophe."
Guterres' suggestions included a financial and advertising boycott of the industries profiting from fossil fuels like oil, gas, and coal. Governments should initiate bans comparable to tobacco advertising, while financial institutions should invest in renewable energy alternatives. He called these businesses "sponsors of climate chaos." For decades, they have hindered progress in the pursuit of cleaner energy. "Millions were invested to deceive the public and foster confusion," Guterres stated. Meanwhile, these companies' earnings reached record highs because of the substantial government subsidies.
A tax on shipping, air travel, and the petroleum industry to provide additional funding for the global energy shift in poorer countries was also proposed by Guterres. The G20, accounting for 80% of global pollution, should bear the brunt of this responsibility. These nations must supply both technological and financial assistance to their underprivileged counterparts.
The IGCC report said humanity could produce approximately 200 billion tons of CO2 before reaching a permanent warming threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius. This is roughly equivalent to emissions of five years. The research findings are still under debate and could range from 100 to 450 billion tons of emissions.
A silver lining: The Slowdown of CO2 emissions Increase
There's a piece of good news: The authors identified a slowdown in the increase of CO2 emissions over the past decade compared to the 2000s' rates. Based on societal choices, this decade has the potential to reverse some trends.
The December 2013 edition of "Earth System Science Data" saw publication of the IGCC report for the first time. The University of Leeds explains that between now and the IPCC's next comprehensive assessment in about 2027, this report bridges the gap. The research team comprised 57 individuals from 42 institutions in 15 countries. The main provider of scientific climate information is the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
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As a result of collective efforts and societal changes, the rate of CO2 emission increase has shown a deceleration over the past decade compared to the 2000s. This development, if sustained, has the potential to reverse certain environmental trends.
Recognizing the global significance of climate change, the United Nations has urged swift action, with Secretary-General António Guterres criticizing inaction and labeling the profiting industries as "sponsors of climate chaos". He proposed measures such as a financial and advertising boycott of fossil fuel industries and a tax on polluting industries to fund clean energy transition in developing countries.
