On Monday, the world experienced its hottest day on record, with temperatures rising higher than any previously measured average.
According to preliminary data from US meteorologists, the average global temperature rose above 17 °C (62.6 °F) for the first time. This historic event has raised concern among scientists and meteorological agencies, and attributed the extreme heat to a combination of climate change and El Niño weather patterns.
“Earth’s average surface temperature on Monday was the warmest ever recorded,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said. This unprecedented measurement beats the previous daily record set in July last year. Experts at the University of California, Berkeley emphasize that both climate change and El Niño contributed to the intense heat.
“We could see a few more warm days over the next six weeks,” warned Berkeley Earth scientist Robert Rohde.
While the impact of this extreme heat varies across regions, as NOAA forecasts, precipitation could increase along the Gulf Coast and the southeastern United States. However, it is not only America that is affected; The entire world is experiencing fluctuations in temperature, which have increased steadily since the pre-industrial era. Human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, are releasing huge amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, further contributing to rising temperatures.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration warns, “An increase of about 2 degrees Fahrenheit in global mean surface temperature since the pre-industrial era may seem small, but it means a significant increase in accumulated heat.”
As Earth’s temperature continues to rise, we see more frequent and severe extreme weather events, changes in plant and animal habitats, and reductions in snow cover and sea ice. The consequences of these changes are far-reaching and impact on our ecosystems and lifestyles.
According to the World Meteorological Organisation, the temperature is expected to increase further due to the onset of El Nino weather phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean. This increase in global temperatures could have devastating consequences for vulnerable communities and ecosystems around the world.
“We need to take urgent action to tackle climate change and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions,” urges environmental scientist Sarah Thompson.
“The future of our planet depends on it.”
As we grapple with the reality of Earth’s hottest day, it is critical for governments, industries and individuals to come together and implement sustainable solutions to protect our planet for future generations. Time is of the essence, and we must act now to reduce the effects of climate change and protect our world from even more extreme heat in the future.
