Ian C Jones
Berkshire UK • 07469018888 ian@newgatetrading.co.uk • LinkedIn
In 2023, the world experienced the warmest year on record, reaching a temperature about 1.48C higher than the pre-industrial average, according to the EU's climate service. This alarming Climat Crisis increase is primarily attributed to human-caused climate change, exacerbated by the natural El Niño event. The implications of these temperature spikes are far-reaching, impacting ecosystems globally and posing a serious threat to international climate targets. More people need to understand the Climate Crisis, more people need Carbon Literacy training.
Record-Breaking Trends
The notable aspect of 2023's warmth is the frequency and intensity of record-breaking events. Almost every day since July witnessed a new global air temperature high for that time of year. This remarkable trend continued into the second half of the year, with more than 200 days setting new daily global temperature records. The margin by which these records were broken is astonishing, indicating a rapid and concerning shift in climate conditions globally.
El Niño's Unexpected Influence
The unprecedented warmth in the latter part of 2023 was significantly influenced by the rapid onset of El Niño conditions. Typically, El Niño releases additional heat into the atmosphere from warmer surface waters in the East Pacific Ocean. However, the full effects were not expected until early 2024, making the early surge in air temperatures an intriguing anomaly.
Global Impact
The impact of the 2023 warmth was not confined to specific regions; rather, it was felt globally. Almost all parts of the world experienced temperatures higher than the 1991-2020 average. This global warmth exacerbated extreme weather events, including heatwaves, wildfires, droughts, and floods across various continents. The severity and scale of these events underscore the urgent need for international action to address the escalating climate crisis.
Beyond Air Temperature: Other Indicators
The temperature of the air is just one facet of the changing climate. In 2023, Antarctic sea-ice reached a "mind-blowing" low, Arctic sea-ice remained below average, and glaciers in western North America and the European Alps experienced extreme melting. Additionally, the world's sea surface recorded its highest temperature, contributing to multiple marine heatwaves, particularly in the North Atlantic. These events collectively highlight the multifaceted impact of global warming.
Looking Ahead: 2024 and Beyond
The trajectory of climate change raises concerns about the upcoming years. The unusual behaviour of the current El Niño makes predicting 2024's temperatures challenging, but there is a possibility it could surpass the key 1.5C warming threshold. While the Paris Agreement aims to limit long-term warming, the continuous rise in temperatures emphasises the need for stronger global efforts to curb the use of fossil fuels.
The Role of COP28
The recent COP28 climate summit addressed the need to tackle the main cause of rising temperatures - fossil fuels. Although the agreement may have had weaker language than anticipated, it marks a step towards addressing the root causes of climate change. Progress in areas like renewable power and electric vehicles is crucial to mitigating the consequences, even if the 1.5C target appears challenging to achieve.
Conclusion
The unprecedented warmth of 2023 serves as a stark reminder of the accelerating climate crisis. Beyond breaking records, these events have tangible and destructive consequences worldwide. Urgent and collaborative action is imperative to mitigate further damage, with a focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to sustainable practices.
P.s. Unfortunately not enough people are paying enough attention to the impact of climate change. This could be because they do not have the knowledge to properly consider the situation. Carbon Literacy training may be the solution as it provides people with the base knowledge to actively communicate about climate change and take steps to reduce their carbon footprint. For information about Carbon Literacy training please contact adam@newgatetrading.co.uk
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