June sets new global temperature record, according to the EU. The month has surpassed previous records by a significant margin, according to the European Union‘s climate monitoring unit.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) revealed that the beginning of June marked the warmest early June on record, indicating a potential trend towards more extreme weather events as the planet enters an El Niño phase that could last for years.

Record-Breaking Heatwave in Early June

The Copernicus unit reported that global surface air temperatures in early June soared 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. It even surpassed the threshold established by governments at the 2015 Paris Summit.

Data analysis revealed that the daily global average temperature remained at or above the 1.5 Celsius threshold between June 7 and 11. It peaked at 1.69 Celsius above it on June 9. June 8 and 9 experienced daily temperatures approximately 0.4 Celsius warmer than previous records for those days.

As global temperatures continue to rise and exceed the 1.5 degrees Celsius limit more frequently, the cumulative effects are expected to become increasingly severe. The Copernicus unit emphasized the importance of closely monitoring these exceedances, as they can lead to more serious consequences.

The current shift from a three-year La Niña phase, which mitigates the effects of global warming, to an El Niño period is predicted to further contribute to rising temperatures, potentially adding another half-degree or more to average temperatures.

Based on recent developments, Copernicus predicts that 2024 will be even hotter than 2023 as the El Niño phase continues to develop. Samantha Burgess, deputy director of C3S, highlighted the direct correlation between global warming and the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

As the global climate continues to warm, the likelihood of experiencing severe events increases. These alarming trends necessitate urgent action to address climate change.

UN’s Grim Warning

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern about the world’s insufficient response to the climate crisis, warning of an impending disaster.

Guterres stated that current climate policies would result in temperatures rising 2.8 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century, almost twice the UN’s target of limiting the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. He described the collective response to the crisis as pitiful and called for immediate action.

Guterres emphasized the need for a comprehensive transformation of the fossil fuel industry as it transitions toward clean energy sources. He urged a shift away from an industry that produces products incompatible with human survival.

The UN chief further lamented the lack of ambition, trust, support, and cooperation among countries in meeting climate promises and commitments. He called for a heightened sense of urgency and a departure from wishful thinking and unproven technologies.

The global community is facing a critical challenge as June sets new global temperature record. The unprecedented warming signals a dangerous trajectory towards more extreme weather events. The current El Niño phase, combined with the inadequate response to climate change, demands immediate action.

So, governments, industries, and individuals must prioritize sustainable practices and accelerate the transition to clean energy sources to avert a climate disaster. The urgency is clear, and it is time to take decisive steps toward a sustainable and resilient future.

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