Searing Heat: June 2024 Sets Record as Global Temperature Soars

shakila Jalil

The world is grappling with the devastating consequences of climate change as June 2024 sets a new record for the hottest month globally, marking 13 consecutive months of unprecedented temperatures. The Copernicus Climate Change Service reports that global temperatures have surpassed the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels, sparking concerns about the frequency of temporary breaches and the long-term goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C by 2100.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns that exceeding the 1.5°C level may lead to severe climate change impacts, including intense heatwaves, rainfall events, and droughts. Even at current levels of warming, the world faces devastating climate impacts, with extreme heat causing the greatest mortality rate of all extreme weather events.

Record-breaking temperatures are not only a concern for vital marine ecosystems but also provide energy for tropical cyclones like Hurricane Beryl. Satellite data reveals a concerning impact on sea ice at the poles, with the Arctic and Antarctic experiencing significant declines.

Regional temperature anomalies are observed, with southeastern Europe, Turkiye, eastern Canada, and western Antarctica experiencing the most significant rises. The development of a La Niña event may offer some respite, but the overall trend of global warming continues unabated.

Experts emphasize that new records will be broken unless greenhouse gas emissions are curtailed, stressing the urgency of collective action to mitigate the effects of climate change. The world must come together to address this global crisis and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.