The Unthinkable Heat This July Is Real
By polluting the oceans, not mitigating CO2 emissions and destroying our biodifersity, we are killing our planet. Let us face it, there is no planet B." – Emmanuel Macron.
Have you been feeling that the heat we're experiencing this summer is extremely high like never felt before?
You're not delusional, because it is.
Scientists and researchers suggest the world's warming rate may seem to accelerate in the 2010s, although a consensus is yet to be reached. While these charts presented in the articles are suggestive of climate change impacts, they alone are insufficient to establish conclusive evidence of acceleration.
What is known for sure is the presence of more greenhouse gases in the atmosphere leads to increased solar warmth trapped near the surface and absorbed by the oceans.
Carbon dioxide, the most critical long-lived greenhouse gas, has reached its highest levels not seen in over 3 million years.
Methane and nitrous oxide, two other significant greenhouse gases, are also at their highest levels since the beginning of human existence.
There are four major data presented in the article;
- Air-temperature records
Copernicus (previously known as Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) and the World Meteorological Organization confirmed that this July is set to be the hottest of any month on record.
Earth's average temperature hit new highs, not one, or two, but four times this year, according to the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts. The latest record on July 6th was 17.079°C, around 0.8°C warmer than the hottest temperature in 1980. What's unusual about this is that the temperature never fell below the previous record from 2016 for three weeks after the initial record.
2. Heatwaves
The current heatwaves, with parts of southern Europe experiencing temperatures 2°C to 5°C higher than historical averages in July. France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Poland were hit by two heatwaves caused by an atmospheric "heat dome," increasing solar radiation and reducing cloud cover. Climate modelers from World Weather Attribution attribute these heatwaves to human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, and the effect of these heatwaves now will occur approximately once every ten years. In Newfoundland, Canada, temperatures soared over 8°C above normal. This data highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme heat events, with regions worldwide witnessing abnormal temperature rises, raising even more concerns about the serious impact of climate change.
3. Sea-surface temperatures
This year rising of the heat on the surface waters has been particularly alarming. With oceans absorbing 90% of excess heat from greenhouse-gas emissions in recent decades making surface waters gradually increase. Typically, ocean temperatures peak in March and gradually cool until June or July, however, this year, temperatures didn't cool down as expected. July's sea-surface temperatures were about 0.25°C above previous daily records for the month, and they continue to rise.
Between July 16th and 23rd, temperatures were the highest of the year. Currently, they are only 0.01°C below the record set in March 2016. This sustained warming trend raises significant alarm, as it indicates the ongoing impact of climate change on ocean temperatures. Between July 16th and 23rd, temperatures were the highest of the year. Currently, they are only 0.01°C below the record set in March 2016.
4. Sea ice
Satellite data reveals a significant decline in sea ice in Antarctica. On July 24th, the sea ice covered just 14m sq km, the lowest ever measured for that date, and around 2m sq km less than the previous record low in 2019. This decline is roughly 3m sq km less than the average for 1991-2020.
"We are the first generation to feel the impact of climate change and the last generation that can do something about it." – Barack Obama.
While some years may be hotter than others, this year's extreme heat could be a consequence of the world's already-warming climate. In the short term, fluctuations may occur, and next year or the year after might be slightly cooler. However, the long-term trend is evident.
Each passing decade since the 1980s has been notably hotter than the one preceding it. The trajectory is clear: the 2020s will be hotter than the 2010s, and the 2030s will likely be even hotter still. This consistent pattern emphasizes the ongoing impact of global warming on our planet's climate.
Are we ready for the hotter year next year? And the next, and next year?
Extracting the valuable insight from the original article "Graphic detail | Daily chart: Four charts that highlight this summer’s freakish temperatures" published on July 27, 2023 from the Economist. Please find the original articles for your reference at Four charts that highlight this summer’s freakish temperatures
Further insightful reading on this topic is here.
