September 2023 has been recorded as the second-warmest September globally, contributing to a trend that suggests 2024 may become the hottest year on record. This increase in temperature is associated with a rise in extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and storms, caused by higher atmospheric moisture levels. The Copernicus Climate Change Service predicts continued risks of extreme weather linked to climate change, alongside warnings about the importance of adhering to global climate agreements to mitigate these effects.
In a recent report by the EU climate monitor Copernicus, it was revealed that September 2023 was the second-warmest September ever observed worldwide, indicating a year that is “almost certain” to surpass all previous temperature records. The average global temperature for September ranked only after September 2023, highlighting a concerning trend in global climate dynamics. This exceptional warmth has been accompanied by a series of extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and severe storms, which are becoming more common as a result of climate change. The data for Copernicus was gathered through extensive measurements collected from a variety of sources, including satellites, ships, aircraft, and weather stations. Last year, 2022, was recorded as the hottest ever, yet indications suggest that 2024 may also set new temperature records. The implication of global warming extends beyond merely rising temperatures; it includes the repercussions of the increased atmospheric and ocean heat. Warmer air increases the capacity for moisture retention, and similarly, higher ocean temperatures lead to escalated evaporation rates, contributing to enhanced rainfall and storm intensity. For context, some regions experienced rainfall equivalent to months of precipitation in merely a few days. Samantha Burgess, the deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, noted, “The extreme rainfall events of this month, something we are observing more and more often, have been made worse by a warmer atmosphere. The risk of extreme rainfall will continue to increase with rising temperatures.” This September’s extreme weather included Hurricane Helene impacting the southeastern United States, Typhoon Krathon hitting Taiwan, and Storm Boris causing significant flooding in central Europe. Other regions also faced destructive weather; Typhoons Yagi and Bebinca devastated parts of Asia, while Nepal, Japan, and areas in West and Central Africa suffered from deadly floods. Notably, wetter-than-average conditions were reported across parts of Africa, Russia, China, Australia, and Brazil, with Pakistan experiencing severe impacts from monsoon rains. Copernicus highlighted that the period from January to September 2024 has already set unprecedented temperature highs, solidifying the projection that 2024 will likely be the hottest year recorded thus far. A staggering fourteen of the last fifteen months have exhibited temperatures at least 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial averages, based on the norm set between 1850 and 1900. While these records do not constitute a violation of the Paris climate agreement—which aims to maintain global temperature increases below 2 degrees Celsius—the reality is that the threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius is gradually becoming unattainable. International ambitions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, set primarily from fossil fuel combustion, are insufficient, as current trajectories suggest a potential rise in global temperatures of up to 2.9 degrees Celsius by the year 2100, according to assessments by the UN Environment Programme. Copernicus’s records, dating back to 1940, are supported by additional climate data sources such as ice cores, tree rings, and coral skeletons, facilitating a broader understanding of historical climate conditions. Climate scientists assert that the current state of the Earth is likely the warmest it has been in the last 100,000 years, even predating the last Ice Age.
This article addresses the alarming trends in global temperatures and extreme weather patterns as reported by the Copernicus Climate Change Service. It highlights the record-breaking temperatures observed in September 2023 and discusses the implications of these trends on climate and weather. Furthermore, the article examines how climate change has led to increased rainfall and more intense storms, emphasizing the need for immediate action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in order to adhere to international climate agreements such as the Paris Agreement.
In summary, the findings presented by Copernicus illustrate a significant and concerning warming trend with September ranking as the second-warmest on record globally. The emerging evidence links this increase to a higher frequency of extreme weather events, underscoring the urgent need for global action to combat climate change. The scientific community warns that failure to effectively reduce emissions could result in catastrophic climate impacts, further distancing the world from achieving the goals set forth in international agreements.
Original Source: www.france24.com
