The year 2024 is on track to become the hottest year on record, with June being the hottest month yet.
According to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the average global temperature in June was 1.5°C higher than the pre-industrial average, making it the 13th consecutive month to break global temperature records.
This streak of record-breaking temperatures is attributed to human-caused climate change and the El Niño weather phenomenon.The effects of this heat wave have been devastating, with over 1,000 deaths reported during the Haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Other regions, such as New Delhi and Greece, have also experienced extreme heat waves, resulting in fatalities. The intense heat has also led to wildfires, droughts, and floods in various parts of the world.
Climate scientists warn that if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, the consequences of climate change will only worsen.
The C3S reports that the average global temperature for the past 12 months has been 1.64°C higher than the pre-industrial average, making it the highest on record.
The World Meteorological Organization has also reported that the past four years have been the hottest on record, with 2024 expected to surpass 2023 as the hottest year yet.
The urgent need for climate action cannot be overstated, and governments and individuals must work together to reduce emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
