The Earth has experienced a continuous 12-month period of temperatures 1.5C above pre-industrial levels, according to new data.
Ajit Niranjan reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- Between July 2023 and June 2024, global temperatures were the highest on record, 1.64C above pre-industrial times.
- Scientists warn of increased exposure to extreme weather and potential climate tipping points due to sustained high temperatures.
- Key climate metrics indicate a worsening trend unless greenhouse gas emissions are drastically reduced.
Key quote:
"This is inevitable unless we stop adding greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and the oceans."
— Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service
Why this matters:
Sustained high temperatures lead to severe weather events and threaten ecosystems, especially tropical coral reefs. Without significant emission reductions, global warming could exceed critical thresholds, exacerbating human and environmental harm.
