Earth has experienced its second-warmest November on record, trailing only behind 2023, according to a recent report by the European climate service Copernicus. This sets the stage for 2024 to potentially become the hottest year ever documented.
Global temperatures in November averaged 14.10°C (57.38°F), following last year’s global average temperature of 14.98°C (59°F). Through November, this year’s average global temperature surpasses that of the same period last year by 0.14°C (32°F). November 2024’s deviation marks a significant rise, marking it as the hottest November since 2023. Jennifer Francis, a climate scientist not involved in the report, highlighted this substantial increase over previous Novembers.
The year 2024 might mark the first in which average temperatures exceed the 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) margin above pre-industrial times. The 2015 Paris Agreement aimed to limit human-induced warming to 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) and ideally below 1.5 degrees, urging more ambitious climate action. According to Copernicus Deputy Director Samantha Burgess, although this does not signify a breach of the Paris Agreement, it underscores the urgent need for more proactive climate measures.
The swift increase in temperatures poses dire consequences for both people and ecosystems. More frequent and severe weather events could result, alongside an acceleration in species extinction which disrupts natural food webs. The agricultural sector may suffer due to declines in pollinators and flourishing pests, while rising sea levels threaten coastal communities. Heat waves over oceans and reductions in reflective sea ice and snow cover are likely contributors to the temperature rise this year. Antarctica’s sea ice extent in November was 10% below average — a record low.
Oceans, absorbing approximately 90% of the heat trapped by greenhouse gases, are contributing to this phenomenon by releasing heat and moisture back into the atmosphere. Jennifer Francis warns that the rapid pace of warming hinders the ability of plants and animals to adapt, increasing the risk of extinction and disrupting ecological balance.
The recent record heat is partly attributed to an El Nino event, a natural temporary warming of parts of the central Pacific that affects weather patterns globally. However, the subsequent La Nina, which usually brings cooling, did not occur, leaving experts puzzled about ongoing warm temperatures. Jonathan Overpeck from the University of Michigan notes the unusual persistence of high temperatures may be accelerating global warming, warning that this year shows a significant temperature jump, exceeding previous expectations.
The ongoing climate trends emphasize the pressing need for comprehensive climate action. Despite no breach of international agreements, the consistent rise in global temperatures and its wide-ranging impacts demand an urgent and concerted effort to mitigate climate change.
Source: Weather
