Global Average Temperature Reaches Record High, On Track to Exceed 1.5 Degree Celsius Warming Threshold

A new report from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service shows that the global average temperature from January to October of this year is the highest ever recorded. The average temperature is 1.43 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial average, dangerously close to the 1.5 degree Celsius warming threshold that climate scientists have long warned would bring significant challenges for people worldwide.

October was 0.4 degrees Celsius (0.7 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than the previous record for the month in 2019, a surprise to Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service. The average experienced so far this year is also .10 degrees Celsius higher than the 10-month average for 2016, which is the current record-holder for the warmest year.

The report states that it is “virtually certain” that 2023 will be the hottest year on record. This is due to the cumulative warming of the past several months, which has made it virtually guaranteed that 2023 will be the hottest year on record.

The findings of the report are concerning, as they indicate that the world is on track to exceed the 1.5 degree Celsius warming threshold. This could bring about significant challenges for people worldwide, such as extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and the displacement of people due to extreme temperatures.

It is important that governments and citizens take action to reduce emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. This includes implementing renewable energy sources, reducing emissions from transportation and industry, and conserving natural resources. Only by taking action can we ensure that the world does not exceed the 1.5 degree Celsius warming threshold and avert the worst effects of climate change.