World Experiences Hottest Northern Hemisphere Summer

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has announced that the summer of 2024 was the hottest ever recorded in the northern hemisphere, from June to August. This surpassed the previous record set last year. The rising temperatures are a result of ongoing global warming trends, driven by human activities.

Key Findings

• The summer of 2023 is officially the warmest summer ever recorded globally.
• Experts predict that 2024 could be even hotter than 2023.
• Over the last three months, temperature records were broken, including the hottest single day and the hottest boreal (northern) summer.

Causes of Climate Change

The main cause of climate change is human activity, particularly the burning of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. This releases greenhouse gases that trap heat in the atmosphere.

The El Niño phenomenon, a natural climate pattern, has also contributed to the rising temperatures. However, there are signs that this may shift towards La Niña, which typically brings cooler conditions.

Impact on Weather Patterns

Extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, are becoming more frequent and severe because of climate change.

• Sudan is experiencing severe flooding.
• Italy is facing long periods of drought.
• Typhoon Gaemi was intensified by climate factors, leading to significant casualties in the Philippines, Taiwan, and China.

Global Temperature Trends

According to C3S data, which tracks climate patterns since 1940, the summer of 2024 was the hottest since records began in the pre-industrial era (1850).

Even though La Niña may bring some temporary cooling, the ocean’s surface temperatures remain unusually high, particularly in August.

Experts are urging immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If emissions continue at their current rate, extreme weather events will become more frequent and severe, posing serious risks to ecosystems, human communities, and the planet as a whole.

About Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S)

C3S is part of the European Union’s Copernicus Programme, which started in 2015. It provides important data about climate change by using satellite observations. C3S supports over 7,000 users worldwide and helps policymakers make informed decisions to adapt to climate change. It also partners with leading research institutions in Europe and publishes an annual report called the European State of the Climate.

Month: Current Affairs - September, 2024

Category: Environment Current Affairs