‘It was a somewhat colder summer in comparison to what is to come
As the world grapples with an unusually hot summer, latest scientific discoveries reveal worrying evidence of heat records breaking all around the world. Leading climate scientists warn that if we continue on our current path without significant reductions in fossil fuel emissions and the installation of carbon capture technology, we will cross the key 1.5°C mark in the near future.
The world is experiencing a record-breaking heatwave.
According to researchers from the Climate project at the University of Maine who used Reanalyzer data, the Earth experienced its most scorching day since record-keeping began over four decades ago on July 4th, with an average global temperature spike of 62.9 degrees Fahrenheit (17.2 degrees Celsius).
Furthermore, the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts has determined June to be the warmest month on record.
The consequences of this extreme heat are being felt all around the world, with the heat index in New York City hitting almost 100 degrees. However, scorching temperatures in late June drove sections of Texas to 120-degree highs, resulting in several heat-related problems and even deaths. In fact, more than a dozen individuals have sadly died as a result of the terrible weather.
The heat wave’s influence stretches beyond the United States to other parts of the world. Spain, Beijing, and other parts of China have suffered extreme heat, smashing temperature records and causing devastating wildfires in Canada.
The consequences of these extreme temperatures go beyond ordinary discomfort, as they directly threaten the richness and variety of marine life, alter critical biogeochemical processes, and endanger the ocean’s capacity to support life and serve as a major food supply for humans.
Summer heatwave forecast: hotter days ahead
While the current heat wave may look unusual, it is entirely in line with scientists’ long-standing projections in a world largely impacted by climate change. The use of fossil fuels has significantly increased global temperatures, worsening and increasing the occurrence of heat waves.
