Sunday, July 21, 2024, became the hottest day ever recorded, according to preliminary data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The global average surface air temperature reached a staggering 17.09 degrees Celsius (62.76 degrees Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record set in July 2023 by a mere 0.01 degrees Celsius. This scorching heatwave, fueled by the burning of fossil fuels, has gripped large swathes of the United States, Europe, and Russia, driving temperatures to unprecedented levels.
Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus service, expressed concern that the beginning of this week could potentially break Sunday’s record, as heatwaves continue to intensify across the globe. He highlighted the tendency for these extreme temperature peaks to cluster together, raising further alarm.
Last year witnessed four consecutive days breaking the global temperature record, from July 3 to July 6. This stark reminder of the accelerating effects of climate change underscores the urgent need for global action to mitigate the catastrophic consequences of unchecked fossil fuel reliance.
While Sunday’s record was only marginally higher than last year’s reading, what truly alarmed scientists is the persistent trend of record-breaking temperatures. Every month since June 2023 has now been the hottest on record, compared to the corresponding month in previous years.
Some scientists predict that 2024 could potentially surpass 2023 as the hottest year ever recorded. This alarming prediction is fueled by the combined forces of climate change and the El Niño natural weather phenomenon, which ended in April.
The ongoing rise in greenhouse gas emissions is a driving factor behind the record-breaking temperatures. As the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere increases, so too does the planet’s ability to trap heat, leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves.
Scientists and environmental advocates continue to urge global leaders and wealthier nations to prioritize a transition away from fossil fuels and towards renewable energy sources. Failure to do so will only exacerbate the effects of climate change, leading to more extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and unprecedented ecological damage.
