But autumn is not the only time of year with record temperature indicators, because it was preceded by an incredibly hot summer that broke multiple world temperature records. Especially recorded during the summer months The three hottest days in human history.

Six separate months of 2023 also broke global temperature records, accompanied by the lowest sea ice extent in Antarctica ever recorded.

How bad are things?

The annual average global temperature is 1.46 C higher than in pre-industrial times and is now 0.13 C higher than the same period in 2016, the hottest year on record. Climate scientists consider these temperatures “exceptional” and confirm that: 2023 will be the “hottest year in human history”.

what happens next

The El Niño phenomenon, characterized by warmer equatorial waters leading to higher global air temperatures, contributed to an unusually warm northern autumn. This phenomenon will continue next year, meaning 2024 could be as hot as 2023.

Although some experts previously attributed record temperatures to the 2022 eruption of Tonga’s underwater volcano. this claim was rejected.

The real reason remains anthropogenic climate changeis due to increasing greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions have produced excess energy equivalent to the explosion of more than 25 billion atomic bombs over the past 50 years, leading to higher air temperatures and increased unpredictability of events such as El Niño.

The consequences of global warming are becoming increasingly evident: Studies show that major US cities are sinking, great lakes and reservoirs are shrinking, and Gulf Stream collapse may be inevitable by 2025. It is predicted that sea level rise will flood the US coasts by 2050.

Despite the bleak predictions, leading expert on climate change Michael Mann argues: There’s still room to prevent the worst effects of climate change By rapidly limiting greenhouse gas emissions. But Mann warns that this window of opportunity is narrowing, emphasizing the urgency of collective action to save the planet.