Last 12 months on Earth were hottest ever recorded, analysis finds

Hello students! A recent report by Climate Central, a group of scientists who study the Earth's climate, has revealed that the last year was the hottest on record. From November 2022 to October 2023, the Earth experienced temperatures higher than ever before, mainly due to the burning of fossil fuels like petrol, coal, and natural gas.

This increase in temperature has affected nearly everyone on the planet. According to the report, 90% of the world's population faced at least 10 days of extreme heat, which was made more likely by climate change. Andrew Pershing, a climate scientist, emphasized that the data shows no one is immune to the effects of climate change, as everyone experienced unusual heat at some point during the year.

The global average temperature has risen by 1. 3 degrees Celsius, nearing the 1. 5-degree limit set by the Paris Agreement. This has led to dangerous heatwaves affecting one in four people worldwide. Jason Smerdon, a climate scientist, pointed out that this warming trend has been predicted for decades and should not come as a surprise.

Extreme heat has also caused severe weather events. For example, Storm Daniel in Africa resulted in thousands of deaths and significant damage. In India, a large portion of the population faced over a month of high temperatures. Brazil's Amazon region suffered a severe drought, impacting access to water and food.

In the US, extreme weather led to hundreds of deaths, including a major wildfire. Canada experienced widespread wildfires that forced evacuations and affected air quality across North America. Jamaica faced temperatures that were four times more likely due to climate change.

Experts like Kristie Ebi from the University of Washington stress the need for adaptation and preparation for the uneven impacts of climate change, such as altered rainfall patterns, sea level rise, and more frequent droughts and wildfires. The oceans have been absorbing much of the heat from climate change, but they are nearing their capacity, warns Kim Cobb, a climate scientist. The oceans play a crucial role in regulating the Earth's temperature and are vital to our economy, food supply, and coastal communities.