1. Unprecedented Heatwave
February 2024 has entered the record books as the hottest February ever recorded globally, marking the ninth consecutive month of record-breaking temperatures. Scientists from the Copernicus Climate Change Service of the EU reported alarming data on rising global temperatures.
2. Continuity of Record-Breaking Trends
This February’s temperature surpassed normal levels by 0.81°C based on the 1991-2020 data and a significant 1.77°C compared to the pre-industrial period from 1850 to 1900. The alarming trend extends nine months, with global sea surface temperatures reaching an unprecedented high.
3. Ongoing Climate Crisis
Over the past year, from March 2023 to February 2024, the average global temperature reached a record high of 1.56°C above pre-industrial levels, momentarily crossing the critical 1.5°C threshold associated with severe long-term climate change impacts.
4. European Impact
Europe experienced particularly high temperatures in February, soaring to 3.3°C above the average from 1991 to 2020. Central and eastern regions bore the brunt, resulting in the second warmest winter on record for the continent.
5. Global Sea Surface Temperatures Surge
Global sea surface temperatures, excluding polar regions, peaked at an unprecedented 21.06°C in February, surpassing the previous record set in August 2023.
6. Urgent Call for Action
Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, emphasized the dire need to curb greenhouse gas emissions urgently. Dr. Friederike Otto from Imperial College London stressed the urgency of transitioning away from fossil fuels to mitigate the worsening impacts of climate change-associated extreme weather events.
In conclusion, the continuous warming trend and the extreme temperatures recorded in February 2024 underline the critical state of the global climate crisis. Urgent and comprehensive actions are imperative to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to sustainable practices.