A recent analysis of temperature data from hundreds of locations worldwide has shown that winter was unusually warm for half the world’s population, largely due to the burning of fossil fuels. The European Union’s Copernicus organization reported that February was the hottest on record globally, marking nine consecutive months of record temperatures. Global ocean temperatures also reached an all-time high in February, further highlighting the effects of climate change.
Climate Central, an independent research group, found that cities in North America, Europe, and Asia experienced exceptionally warm winters, with the influence of climate change being a significant factor. In cities like Minneapolis, Tehran, and Milan, winter temperatures were notably higher than average, with clear climate change signals detected. The report concluded that 4.8 billion people worldwide experienced temperatures that would be almost impossible without the influence of carbon pollution.
Despite the record-breaking temperatures, the planet has not yet exceeded the international Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. However, the continuous rise in temperatures over the past 12 months is a cause for concern. Experts warn that to avoid surpassing the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, global warming must be sustained at that level for several years.
The ocean has been particularly affected by rising temperatures, with February seeing the warmest sea-surface temperatures ever recorded for any month. This ongoing trend of warming temperatures emphasizes the urgent need for global action to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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