Earth has experienced record-breaking heat for the ninth consecutive month, with February, the entire winter season, and the world's oceans reaching new high-temperature marks, as confirmed by the European Union's climate agency Copernicus.
Seth Borenstein reports for the Associated Press.
In short:
- Earth has set a global heat record for the ninth consecutive month, with the oceans reaching unprecedented temperatures.
- This alarming trend is attributed to human-induced climate change and a strong El Niño effect, contributing to higher air temperatures.
- Climate scientists express urgency in acting against carbon dioxide emissions to mitigate further temperature rises.
Key quote:
“Given the strong El Nino since mid-2023, it’s not surprising to see above-normal global temperatures, as El Ninos pump heat from the ocean into the atmosphere, driving up air temperatures. But the amount by which records have been smashed is alarming.”
— Jennifer Francis, climate scientist, Woodwell Climate Research Center
Why this matters:
The continual breaking of heat records is concerning. These escalating temperatures can significantly affect health outcomes, ecosystems, and global weather patterns, reinforcing the urgency for policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Globally, endocrine-disrupting chemicals and warming waters could lead to smaller fish and reduce populations.
