This summer was the hottest on record, with severe heat, storms and rising diseases affecting every continent.
Sarah Kaplan reports for The Washington Post.
In short:
- Global temperatures rose 1.5°C above preindustrial levels, driven by climate change and El Niño.
- Deadly heat waves, wildfires and extreme weather events, including a record-breaking hurricane, hit multiple regions.
- Antarctica experienced unprecedented heat, shrinking sea ice levels and puzzling scientists.
Key quote:
“Within five to 10 years ... what we’re experiencing right now will be looked back upon as a mild year. We are inevitably in for a rough ride.”
— Johan Rockström, director of Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research
Why this matters:
Rising temperatures lead to more extreme weather, threatening lives, ecosystems and economies. Without urgent action to cut greenhouse gases, the situation will worsen, impacting everyone globally.
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