The Earth has been experiencing record-breaking heat for the past 11 months, with warmer temperatures already evident in Asia and a hotter-than-usual summer predicted for Europe. According to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, last month’s temperatures globally were 1.58°C (2.8°F) above historical averages, making it the hottest April on record. Over the past year, temperatures have been 1.61°C higher than pre-industrial levels, surpassing the 1.5°C threshold that policymakers and scientists are concerned about the impact on the planet’s ecosystems.
While temperature fluctuations associated with natural cycles like El Niño may come and go, the additional energy trapped in the ocean and atmosphere due to rising concentrations of greenhouse gases will continue to drive global temperatures to new highs. Copernicus Director Carlo Buontempo emphasized this point in a statement, noting that the trend of increasing temperatures is a result of human activity.
The Copernicus program, as the world’s largest provider of climate data, utilizes billions of measurements from satellites, ships, aircraft, and weather stations worldwide to develop monthly and seasonal forecasts. These measurements help scientists and policymakers understand the impact of climate change and make informed decisions to address the challenges posed by global warming.
As we look ahead to May and beyond, it is clear that climate change continues to pose significant risks to our planet’s ecosystems and communities around the world. It is more important than ever that we take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards a more sustainable future if we want to ensure a healthy planet for future generations.
