This week, Earth experienced the two hottest days on record, marking a critical moment in climate history.
According to data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), global temperatures reached new highs on two consecutive days, surpassing previous records and raising alarm among climate scientists.
The record-breaking streak began on Sunday, July 21, when the global average surface air temperature hit 17.09°C (62.76°F). This temperature alone was enough to set a new record, but it was quickly surpassed the next day.
On Monday, July 22, the mercury rose even further, reaching 17.15°C (62.87°F), as reported by C3S.
The western United States, Canada, and eastern Siberia were noted to be particularly warm during this period.
The Guardian quoted Carlo Buontempo, the director of Copernicus, who stated that the world was now in “truly uncharted territory.” Global temperature records are expected to continue breaking records as the climate continues to warm.
While the data for Tuesday, July 23, was not yet available at the time of reporting, there is a strong possibility that it could mark the third consecutive day of record-breaking heat.
As Carlo Buontempo told Advanced Press, “These peaks are not normally isolated.”
The causes behind these extreme temperatures are multifaceted.
Climate scientists are unequivocal about the root cause of these temperature extremes.
As Joyce Kimutai, a climate scientist from Imperial College London, told AFP:
“This is exactly what climate science told us would happen if the world continued burning coal, oil and gas. And it will continue getting hotter until we stop burning fossil fuels and reach net zero emissions.”
The impact of these record-breaking temperatures is felt globally.
Al Jazeera reported that “cities in Japan, Indonesia and China have registered record heat,” while Gulf countries have experienced temperatures exceeding 60°C (140°F) when factoring in humidity. In Europe, some areas saw temperatures surge to 45°C (113°F).
These extreme temperatures are not just numbers on a thermometer; they have real-world consequences.
As the world grapples with these new temperature extremes, the message from climate scientists is clear.
Urgent action is needed to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The record-breaking heat of the past days serves as a concerning reminder of the challenges we face in a warming world.
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