The Copernicus Climate Change Service has reported that September 2023 was the second-warmest September on record, with the likelihood that 2024 will be the hottest year to date. Severe weather events attributed to climate change, including extreme rainfall and destructive storms, have become more common, reflecting the urgent climate crisis that necessitates action.
According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), September 2023 has been recorded as the second-warmest September globally, contributing to a year that is predicted to rank as the hottest on record. The C3S reported an average global temperature last month that was only surpassed by the temperatures recorded in September 2022. The month was marked by severe weather events, including extreme rainfall and powerful storms that inflicted significant damage across various regions worldwide, a phenomenon increasingly attributed to the effects of climate change. As global temperatures rise, the capacity of warmer air to retain more moisture, combined with increased evaporation from warmer oceans, has led to heightened intensity of rainfall. Notable weather disturbances included Hurricane Helene affecting the southeastern United States, Typhoon Krathon impacting Taiwan, and Storm Boris resulting in floods across central Europe. Samantha Burgess, Deputy Director of C3S, remarked on the drastic nature of the rainfall events observed, noting, “The extreme rainfall events of this month, something we are observing more and more often, have been made worse by a warmer atmosphere, leading to more intense rainfall with months’ worth of rain falling in just a few days.” Furthermore, Copernicus indicated that the year 2023 is likely to secure the title of the warmest year on record to date, with the period from January to September 2024 already establishing new temperature highs. Their projections suggest a strong likelihood that 2024 will surpass all previous temperature records.
The report from the Copernicus Climate Change Service offers significant insights into the ongoing climate crisis. The service monitors global temperatures and weather patterns, and its records extend back to 1940, though it incorporates older climate data derived from natural sources like ice cores and tree rings. This past data allows scientists to form a comprehensive understanding of long-term climate trends. The current situation, characterized by unprecedented heat and increasingly severe weather phenomena, is consistent with predictions linked to anthropogenic climate change. The severity of recent weather events serves as a clear indication of the broader impacts of rising temperatures, affirming the urgency for global climate action.
In summary, the Copernicus Climate Change Service has highlighted the troubling trend of rising global temperatures, with September 2023 recorded as the second-warmest on record. This year has been plagued by extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change, leading to destructive impacts worldwide. The overall trends indicate that 2023 is on track to be the warmest year globally, with indications that 2024 may surpass this record. These findings underscore the critical nature of climate change and the imperative for immediate and sustained global responses.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
