If the thermometer continues to break records as rapidly as it has in the last 12 months, the probability of being exposed to heat waves, droughts or even forest fires will increase. Because according to Copernicus, the European Union’s Earth observation programme, was the July 21, 2024, the hottest day ever with an average of 17,9 ºCBut that is not the only thing that is worrying. The last twelve months have been the warmest since records began.
Global heatwave – Both atmosphere and water are worryingly hot
We are currently in hottest twelve-month periodthat we have seen so far. No other period was as warm as last year. The reason for this is mainly the man-made Global WarmingThese include, for example, greenhouse gases caused by industry, deforestation and the intensification of livestock farming.
“June marks the 13th consecutive month of global temperature records and the 12th consecutive month of temperatures above 1,5°C compared to pre-industrial times. This shows a major and sustained shift in our climate,” explains Carlo Buontempo, Director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).
The comparison is made with the period from 1850 to 1900, which is also known as the pre-industrial period. Even in our global waters Global warming is becoming noticeable. Because the Average sea temperature in June was 20,85 ºC and is thus also the highest value ever recorded for this month. As far as water temperature is concerned, this is even the 15th month in a row with record heat.
Paris Climate Agreement – Is your 1,5 ºC target realistic?
2015 saw the Paris climate agreement 197 countries have three goals. One of them is particularly relevant in relation to global warming. Of course, global warming should be kept below two degrees compared to the pre-industrial era. Even better would be 1,5 ºC. But is this goal still realistic? The current figures prove that we have already reached the 1,5 ºC limit and therefore have to work even harder to stay below the goal of the Paris Climate Agreement. Although it will take a lot of work to achieve, it is not unrealistic.
