Sat Sep 07 10:10:01 UTC 2024: ## Earth’s Hottest Summer on Record: 2024 Breaks Records, Exacerbates Climate Concerns
The northern summer of 2024 has shattered global temperature records, making it the hottest ever recorded and increasing the likelihood of 2024 being the hottest year on record. This announcement comes from the EU’s climate monitor, Copernicus Climate Change Service, following a summer marked by intense heat waves across the globe.
August 2024 saw the highest average global temperature at the Earth’s surface, reaching 16.82°C. This marks the hottest boreal summer on record, with both June and August breaking previous temperature highs. Notably, global temperatures surpassed the crucial 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels for both June and August, a concerning development as exceeding this threshold is associated with severe climate impacts.
The extreme heat has already manifested in devastating ways. Over 1,300 people died during the hajj pilgrimage in Mecca due to extreme heat, while India’s economy and electrical system faced significant strain. Wildfires raged across parts of the western United States, and a study estimates that 30,000 to 65,000 people in Europe died from heat-related illnesses in 2023.
While some regions, like Alaska and parts of South America, experienced lower-than-average temperatures in August, others like Australia, Japan, and Spain saw record-breaking warmth. China, the world’s leading emitter of greenhouse gases, also recorded its hottest August in over six decades.
Experts warn that these extreme weather events will only intensify in the future, leading to more devastating consequences for people and the planet. The urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is emphasized as the primary solution to curb these impacts.
While some nations are showing signs of peaking emissions, largely due to a shift towards low-carbon energy, the global average warming is currently at 1.2°C, underscoring the need for concerted global action to mitigate climate change.
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