Mon Feb 10 08:42:29 UTC 2025: ## Global Temperatures Hit Record High in January Despite La Niña
**London, February 10, 2025** – Despite a La Niña event and predictions of a cooler year, January 2025 recorded the highest global average temperature ever, according to the European climate service Copernicus. The month was 0.09 degrees Celsius warmer than January 2024, and 1.75 degrees Celsius warmer than pre-industrial levels. This marks the 18th month out of the last 19 to exceed the 1.5-degree Celsius warming limit agreed upon internationally, although scientists emphasize that the limit is not officially breached until temperatures consistently remain above it for two decades.
This surprising record coincides with a new study by former NASA scientist James Hansen, suggesting that global warming is accelerating. This claim, however, is met with mixed reactions within the scientific community. While some scientists agree that the warming trend is intensifying, others argue that more data is needed to confirm acceleration beyond the predicted effects of climate change.
Samantha Burgess of Copernicus attributes the record heat primarily to the buildup of greenhouse gases. She noted that while the La Niña event typically moderates global temperatures, record warmth in other ocean areas offset its cooling effect. The unusually mild conditions in the Arctic, with temperatures 30 degrees Celsius above average in some parts of Canada, contributed significantly to the overall increase. The Arctic also tied its January record for lowest sea ice extent.
Despite the record-breaking January, February has started cooler than last year. However, James Hansen, a leading figure in climate science, remains confident that 2025 will likely contend for the title of hottest year on record, citing a study indicating warming rates have doubled in the last 15 years compared to the previous 40. He also attributes this to the recent reduction in sulfur pollution from shipping. Other scientists, while acknowledging the concerning persistence of record warmth, remain cautious about declaring acceleration definitively.
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