The World Meteorological Organization uses six leading international datasets from across the globe to monitor global temperatures, which reveal a new annual temperature average of 1.45°C set against the pre-industrial era (1850-1900).
Every month between June and December set new records. July and August were the two hottest months ever recorded, WMO said.
The 1.5°C figure is the temperature limit set out clearly in the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change but that refers to the long-term temperature increase averaged over decades, rather than an individual year like 2023.
Still hotting up
“Climate change is the biggest challenge that humanity faces. It is affecting all of us, especially the most vulnerable,” said WMO Secretary-General Prof. Celeste Saulo, presenting the report’s findings. “We cannot afford to wait any longer. We are already taking action, but we have to do more, and we have to do it quickly.”
For that, Prof. Saulo explained, drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and accelerated transition to renewable energy sources are needed.
Looking ahead, the head of WMO warned that as the cooling La Niña phenomenon was replaced with a warming El Niño midway through last year – which usually has the biggest impact on global temperatures after it peaks – 2024 could be even hotter.
Celeste Saulo who became WMO Secretary-General on 1 January, explained that “while El Niño events are naturally occurring and come and go from one year to the next, longer term climate change is escalating and this is unequivocally because of human activities”.
Scorched Earth
Since the 1980s, each decade has been warmer than the previous one and the past nine years have been the warmest on record. The data drawn from the six datasets shows that the ten-year average temperature increase in 2014-2023 was at about 1.20°C.
“Humanity’s actions are scorching the Earth. 2023 was a mere preview of the catastrophic future that awaits if we don’t act now. We must respond to record-breaking temperature rises with path-breaking action,” UN chief António Guterres said in response to the latest data.
“We can still avoid the worst of climate catastrophe. But only if we act now with the ambition required to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius and deliver climate justice,” he said in a statement.
Long-term monitoring of global temperatures is just one indicator of how climate is changing.
Other key indicators include atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations, ocean heat and acidification, sea level, sea ice extent and glacier mass balance to name a few. WMO’s provisional State of the Global Climate in 2023 report, published on 30 November, showed that records were broken across the board.
Nora Chambers, an acclaimed journalist with a focus on global affairs and humanitarian issues, has dedicated over twenty years to reporting from conflict zones worldwide. Her work has spotlighted marginalized communities and highlighted urgent international concerns.
Is there any specific data on the impact of these record temperatures on ecosystems and biodiversity?
Hi Emily_Learns, the impacts of record temperatures on ecosystems and biodiversity are devastating. Rising temperatures can lead to the destruction of habitats, increased wildfires, changes in migration patterns of species, and loss of biodiversity. It is crucial for us to take urgent action to combat climate change and protect our planet’s ecosystems. Let’s work together to make a positive difference!
2023 was indeed a wake-up call for all of us. The evidence of record-breaking global temperatures highlights the urgent need for immediate and decisive action in combating climate change. Prof. Celeste Saulo’s statement resonates deeply, signaling that the time to act is now, not tomorrow, not next year. We must prioritize sustainability and swift transition to renewable energy to safeguard our planet’s future.
Climate change is the biggest challenge that humanity faces. It is affecting all of us, especially the most vulnerable. We cannot afford to wait any longer. We are already taking action, but we have to do more, and we have to do it quickly.
Is there any specific data on how the rising temperatures in 2023 have directly impacted vulnerable communities around the world?
Yes, EmilySmith, the rising temperatures in 2023 have indeed directly impacted vulnerable communities worldwide. The extreme heatwaves, droughts, and natural disasters associated with the increased temperatures have exacerbated food and water shortages, health risks, and displacement of vulnerable populations. It is crucial that global efforts to address climate change prioritize the needs of these communities.
Climate change is undeniably the most pressing issue of our time. It’s affecting everyone, especially those most vulnerable. We can’t afford to delay action any longer. We’re already making strides, but we need to do much more, and swiftly. Drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and a rapid shift to renewable energy sources are imperative for the future. Prof. Saulo’s warning about the potential for an even hotter 2024 due to the shift from La Niña to El Niño serves as a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation.
Climate change is the biggest challenge that humanity faces. It is affecting all of us, especially the most vulnerable. We cannot afford to wait any longer. We are already taking action, but we have to do more, and we have to do it quickly.
Climate change is the biggest challenge that humanity faces. It is affecting all of us, especially the most vulnerable. We cannot afford to wait any longer. We are already taking action, but we have to do more, and we have to do it quickly.
Climate change poses the greatest challenge to humanity. It affects us all, especially the most vulnerable. We must not delay any further. Actions have been initiated, but they need to be intensified urgently. Drastic cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and a swift transition to renewable energy sources are imperative.
Is this increase in global temperatures solely attributed to human activity, or are there other contributing factors as well?