The Copernicus Climate Change Service has reported that September 2024 was the second-warmest September globally, with extreme rainfall and weather events impacting various regions. Rising global temperatures are accelerating the frequency and severity of such events, further complicating global climate goals. Current trends suggest that 2024 is likely to exceed previous temperature records, emphasizing the urgent need for effective climate action.
According to the EU climate monitor, Copernicus, the month of September 2024 has emerged as the second-warmest September recorded globally, following a trend that indicates the likelihood of this year becoming the warmest on record overall. During September, the world experienced extreme weather phenomena, including instances of excessive rainfall equivalent to several months’ worth falling in just a few days. Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, noted that the rising global temperatures are contributing to the increasing frequency and severity of such extreme weather events. The average temperature across the globe in September 2024 was reported to be just below that of September 2023, with scientists indicating that last year was the warmest on record. The implications of global warming extend beyond mere temperature increases, as warmer air can hold more moisture, which significantly influences precipitation patterns, resulting in more intense storms and rainfall. A variety of weather disasters characterized September, including Hurricane Helene, which impacted the southeastern United States, Typhoon Krathon in Taiwan, and Storm Boris wreaking havoc in central Europe. Additional typhoons, Yagi and Bebinca, caused destruction in Asia, and significant flooding affected regions in Nepal, Japan, and parts of Africa. Furthermore, areas in Africa, Russia, China, Australia, and Brazil experienced above-average rainfall, while Pakistan faced devastating consequences from the monsoon season. Records indicate that between January and September 2024, new temperature highs have been set, solidifying expectations that this year could surpass previous temperature records. Copernicus revealed that fourteen of the last fifteen months have shown temperature increases exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, despite warnings that adherence to the targets set by the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, is becoming increasingly difficult. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has predicted a potential breach of the 1.5 degrees cap between 2030 and 2035, a dire warning in light of rising greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from fossil fuel combustion. According to the UN Environment Programme, current national policies aiming to reduce emissions could result in a rise in temperatures of approximately 2.9 degrees Celsius by the year 2100. Furthermore, much of the excessive heat has been absorbed by the ocean, which plays a critical role in regulating climate, and research shows that ocean warming rates have almost doubled since 2005 due to anthropogenic climate change. This alarming trend has led to an increase in marine heatwaves and ocean acidity, threatening marine ecosystems. Copernicus’ findings date back to 1940, but evidence from ice cores, tree rings, and coral skeletons allows for a broader understanding of historical climate trends, suggesting that the present conditions may represent the warmest period the Earth has experienced in the last 100,000 years.
The increasing frequency of extreme weather phenomena globally is closely linked to rising temperatures attributed to climate change. Reports from the Copernicus Climate Change Service provide critical analysis that integrates data from a multitude of sources, providing a comprehensive overview of climate patterns and anomalies. In recent years, the impact of global warming is observable not just in temperature records but also in the alteration of precipitation, storm intensity, and regional climate variability.
In summary, September 2024 has marked a significant point in climate history as the second-warmest September recorded globally. Accompanied by intensified weather events, such as devastating storms and unprecedented rainfall, the continuation of such trends raises severe concerns regarding the impacts of climate change. The global rise in temperatures indicates not only alarming shifts in weather patterns but also poses significant challenges for meeting climate goals laid out in international agreements. Immediate action is needed to mitigate the unfolding crisis, as momentum builds toward what could potentially be the warmest year on record.
Original Source: www.wionews.com
