In a new revelation, the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service has confirmed what many around the globe have sensed – 2023 is set to become the hottest year on record. The analysis indicates a staggering 1.4 degrees Celsius rise in global temperatures compared to pre-industrial levels. This alarming increase approaches the critical 1.5-degree threshold outlined in the Paris climate agreement, a point beyond which scientists warn of severe challenges for both humanity and ecosystems to adapt.
The gravity of this situation is underscored by the fact that every month since June has claimed the title of the hottest on record. November, the most recent month analyzed, was approximately 1.75 degrees warmer than pre-industrial levels. Additionally, two days during the month saw temperatures soar beyond 2 degrees, raising concerns among scientists about the impending consequences for the planet in the years ahead.
These alarming findings coincide with the ongoing COP28, the United Nations' annual climate summit in Dubai, where representatives from over 150 countries deliberate on critical climate issues. The central theme of discussions revolves around the contentious decision of whether to phase out planet-warming fossil fuels.
Brenda Ekwurzel, Director of Climate Science at the Union of Concerned Scientists, stressed the urgency of the situation, asserting that wealthy and high-emitting countries, major contributors to this record-breaking year, bear a greater responsibility to initiate a fair, rapid, and adequately funded phase-out of fossil fuels. This, she argues, is imperative to mitigate the escalating impacts of extreme weather and climate change.
The exceptional warmth experienced in 2023 is attributed to a combination of El Niño and human-induced climate change, as indicated by scientists. Throughout the year, deadly heat waves and unprecedented temperatures have gripped various continents, accompanied by an unusual and widespread oceanic heat phenomenon.
According to Copernicus, the fall in the Northern Hemisphere this year marked the warmest on record globally, with November being wetter than average across most of Europe. Storm Ciarán, in particular, brought heavy rain and floods to several regions, including Italy.
As the trajectory of rising temperatures continues into the next year, the ominous prospect of surpassing the 1.5-degree warming threshold on a sustained basis looms large. While the periodic breach of this temperature is concerning, scientists express heightened worry about the planet remaining above 1.5 degrees for the long term.
Reflecting on the data from 2022, Earth had already warmed by approximately 1.2 degrees, serving as a stark reminder that the world is grappling with the alarming impacts of the climate crisis. The urgent need for global cooperation and decisive action to curb emissions has never been more apparent, as humanity faces the undeniable consequences of a changing climate that many may not be adequately prepared for.
source: CNN
13 comments:
As you highlighted, we are dangerously close to crossing the critical 1.5°C warming threshold that scientists have warned could trigger catastrophic and irreversible impacts.
I think you raise an excellent point connecting this to the ongoing COP28 climate talks. The phase-out of fossil fuels should absolutely be a central focus of negotiations. As Brenda Ekwurzel noted, wealthy high-emitting nations like the U.S. and Europe have a moral imperative to lead on ambitious emissions reductions and the clean energy transition. Time is running out for hollow commitments - we need concrete plans and policies.
The attribution of this record-breaking warmth to a combination of natural variability and human-caused climate change is also key. While El Niño may be partly responsible, it's clear the escalating crisis is overwhelmingly driven by greenhouse gas emissions. Urgent mitigation is non-negotiable at this stage.
As you reflected, even the slightly lower 1.2°C warming experienced last year had devastating consequences in terms of extreme weather. We're already seeing deadly repercussions, and every fraction of a degree matters in terms of impact severity. Breaching 1.5° permanently would be catastrophic.
I agree wholeheartedly that unprecedented global cooperation is needed immediately. Siloed national agendas are utterly insufficient given the scale of this emergency.
Your urge for global cooperation is absolutely warranted. It's very scary to watch what's going on with climate right now and hope that somehow, international change will be made.
We also need to look at what is going on at home. At the national level, it is extremely difficult to regulate companies and shift towards renewable energy. The climate provisions in the recent inflation reduction act are, in my opinion, not enough. Incentives and tax credits are not enough to stop global warming. There needs to be real regulation on companies, such as carbon taxes or limits on fossil fuel usage. However, due to the Republican majority in Congress, it seems almost impossible to do anything that will actually ramp up the battle against climate change.
I hoped that the increase in natural disasters this past year would change the GOP's view of climate change. While there has been some progress towards climate awareness, it seems like no comprehensive domestic change will be made while there are still avid deniers who do not believe in climate change or its human causes.
I hope that, as you mentioned, international change will occur through the upcoming COP28 talks.
This situation is toned very well for what something close to 1.5 degrees can do to us.
The Paris Climate Agreement highlighted that we must keep the global temperature below 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels, yet we reached a staggering 1.4 degrees already. Even if the Paris Agreement is barely achieved and sustained, which is already unlikely, it's not going to look good for us.
When reaching 1.5 degrees, "A 2018 report by the IPCC predicts that amount of warming will threaten coral reefs; melt Antarctic ice sheets, contributing to sea level rise; cause the ocean to become more acidic; and negatively impact crops in some parts of the world," according to ABC news.
1.4 degrees is not far off from 1.5. It is certain that these effects are beginning to take place right now. It's not just that we are reaching levels that can cause serious damage; it's that we are already there.
The question is: how can we stop it from doing more damage, and how quickly?
https://abcnews.go.com/US/matters-earth-brink-15-degrees-celsius-warming/story?id=104508627#:~:text=A%202018%20report%20by%20the,some%20parts%20of%20the%20world.
It's shocking to me that so many Americans still don't believe climate change is real, or that it's real but not human-driven, that there might be a "hidden democrat agenda" behind climate change policy. It doesn't take that much effort to just do the research. Tons and tons of scientific research proves its a real threat caused by humans and that it's no joke. I remember in elementary and middle school watching videos about climate change in science class (like Bill Nye) saying it's an emergency and not something to brush off for another day---and evidently they were right. In 40 or so years when the effects of climate change become more apparent and drastic, I can only imagine the scientists who published research warning everyone and ringing the alarm bells back in the day, saying "I told you so, and now there's nothing you can do about it."
Your bringing awareness to such a crucial topic that is often over looked by Americans.
Personally the 1.5 degree statistic is an alarming statistic in itself, signaling action is needed now. You talked about a meeting that occurred with 150 representatives, which I think brings up a point that is often overlooked as well, which is the leaders we elect, often ignore climate change as a whole. The facts that we are .3 degrees away from a temperature that could be catasrophic to the earths health, and no leaders have done anything to combat it (that I know of) is very shocking.
To me if the temperature was able to raise 1.3 in a single year like you said, poses the question of is that going to happen again, where we are at a temp of 2.6 by the end of the year, or is it already too late?
I agree that this is a situation that needs more attention. According to the Pew Research center, the US is the second largest carbon dioxide emitter. So, when the US pulled out of the Paris Agreement in 2017, it was a huge setback to efforts to reduce global warming. As a country, I think there should be stricter laws that regulate carbon emissions. Currently the clean air act regulates the oil and natural gas industries. Additionally, the White House states that they hope to achieve a net-zero emissions economy by 2050. While these are good steps in the right direction, I also think that spreading awareness at a very basic level would potentially inspire change in everyday people's lifestyles.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/climate/#:~:text=Reducing%20U.S.%20greenhouse%20gas%20emissions,clean%20energy%20to%20disadvantaged%20communities
https://www.epa.gov/climate-change/climate-change-regulatory-actions-and-initiatives#:~:text=EPA's%20Clean%20Air%20Act%20protections,air%20pollutants%20such%20as%20benzene.
https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/08/09/what-the-data-says-about-americans-views-of-climate-change/#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20is%20the%20second,13.5%25%20of%20the%20global%20total.
These situations need far more coverage and need to be given far more importance that they are currently getting. A common trend I've noticed is the sacrifice of the environment/natural ecosystems for monetary gain. One example of this is the Willow Project as well as other oil drilling projects Biden has approved. It's true that things like these certainly give jobs to many people and produce profit, but it also destroyed the habitats of endangered species, destroy ecosystems, add to the greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere, and many more horrendous affects. Climate scientists have been speaking out about this issue for years, and have been constantly ignored or overlooked, and if humanity does not take a firm stand on this issue now, we will soon be at a point of no return. Many contributions to this rise in temperatures can be attributed to burning fossil fuels, the destruction of wild ecosystems for agricultural use, and the overconsumption of meat/meat production, so legislation/policies that combat or reduce these issues is pivotal. This article should be a terrifying reminder to humanity of how bad of an issue this has become, and I only hope that the world begins to recognize this issue now, before it is too late.
https://climate.ec.europa.eu/climate-change/causes-climate-change_en#:~:text=Burning%20fossil%20fuels%2C%20cutting%20down,greenhouse%20effect%20and%20global%20warming.
The pace of climate change is already worrying enough, but what makes me even more concerned is the lack of action from many countries' governments. Most are not on track to meet the carbon dioxide reductions necessary to stop the 1.5 degree temperature increase. That kind of change requires huge amounts of regulation and a lot of time --- even if a law were passed today, it would take years to implement and for us to see its effects. I'm worried that with Congress gridlocked, that kind of change is almost impossible. It might be possible to get legislation passed through budget packages like the Inflation Reduction Act, but I'm not sure if the scope is wide enough for that.
Some parliamentary systems are doing better in terms of passing climate change legislation --- the EU has mandates in place --- but it's one thing to set carbon emissions goals, and another to reach them, especially when places in Europe like Germany still have working coal mines.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/climate
https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/climate-change
In response to Alexandra's point, wow, we should be scared. It really sucks to see that science and literal proof has not been enough to provoke action among governments. It's saddening that most areas aren't even on track to reduce CO2 to stop the temperature increase -- this really highlights where our governments' priorities are. For us to at least try to save the planet, it's clear that commitment is a big part of that process. As Alexandra said, "It's one thing to set carbon emission goals and another to reach them." What's the point in trying to achieve the goals if there are still things in the background contributing to the problem? We need to put people in power who genuinely care and won't take others overlooking the problem as a response. There will be no planet to save if we continue these habits.
It will be interesting to see whether increased temperatures and worse outlooks on climate change will either spur countries into action to combat it, or make them more apathetic knowing they are less and less likely to deter global warming (especially after noticing, as Alexandra commented, that the majority of other countries are not on track to meet their climate goals).
I think it's CRAZY how climate change isn't something being taught around the globe as basic information. The amount of proof that is out there from scientists exposing the horrifying consequences of climate change and the amount of people who keep saying climate change either isn't a big deal or is a hoax is mind boggling to me. I think a reason why climate change is such a large issue and isn't being made a priority is because of misrepresentation of age in government. The average age of a person in congress is 58 while the average American is 39. This is due to no term limits and all the restrictions of young people in government. While this does prevent under qualified people from joining the government, it also makes the government not reflect the wants of the people, specifically younger people. While climate change isn't a big deal to the old people who won't have to deal with their consequences, the younger generation will and will suffer because of it.
https://www.cnn.com/2023/07/27/politics/age-mitch-mcconnell-what-matters/index.html
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/government-and-opposition/article/age-inequalities-in-political-representation-a-review-article/E1FB531E2E6BD93582792E1D92AB18ED
Like David and Spencer said, the fact that there are still a substantial number of people who don’t “believe in” climate change is very worrying. Although we are currently at a CO2 peak, the fact that the ppm is almost two times as high as past peaks is definitely out of the ordinary and unattributable to “just weather”.
I really think things like the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act could have great benefits on both the current climate situation as well as our economy.
https://citizensclimatelobby.org/basics-carbon-fee-dividend/
It’s rather frustrating to think about big businesses and celebrities polluting carelessly and destroying our environment. I really hope that aside from just legislation/regulation, some new technologies can be developed (such as hydrogen-powered cars, which definitely do not seem too far off) to decrease our reliance on fossil fuels.
The rate of climate change is already a cause for concern, and what exacerbates my worry is the lack of action from many governments worldwide. Most countries are not on a trajectory to achieve the necessary carbon dioxide reductions to prevent a 1.5-degree temperature increase. Implementing such changes requires extensive regulations and a considerable amount of time. Even if a law were enacted today, it would take years for implementation and to witness its effects. The current gridlock in Congress adds to the difficulty, making substantial change seem almost impossible. While there's a possibility of passing legislation through budget packages like the Inflation Reduction Act, I'm uncertain about its scope.
Post a Comment