In the past year, Earth has been on a relentless streak of breaking temperature records, with May marking the 12th consecutive month of unprecedented highs.
Data from Copernicus paints a stark picture: the global average temperature now sits at a staggering 1.63°C above pre-industrial levels, measured from 1850 to 1900.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is ringing alarm bells, urging immediate action to curb greenhouse gas emissions, ramp up climate financing, and wean ourselves off fossil fuels.
Scientists attribute this drastic temperature surge to a cocktail of factors, including the El Niño weather pattern and a reduction in shipping pollution.
Guterres isn’t mincing words, emphasizing that our planet is sending distress signals; it’s crunch time for our climate. He stresses the urgency of substantial, immediate actions to avert further environmental devastation. This involves a fundamental shift in energy production and consumption, coupled with increased investment in climate initiatives.
The blend of natural phenomena and human activity is pushing our planet’s temperature to perilous heights. Experts warn of dire consequences unless swift and resolute measures are taken. It’s imperative that global efforts converge to tackle these challenges and pave the way towards a sustainable future.