In the face of escalating concerns regarding climate change, particularly stemming from emissions related to fossil fuels, recent research indicates that the past 12 months (November 2022 to October 2023) have marked the hottest period ever recorded. Disturbingly, this situation is anticipated to exacerbate in the coming year.
A comprehensive analysis, unveiled on Thursday by the non-profit organization Climate Central, which specializes in scrutinizing and disseminating climate science, reveals that human-induced climate change has substantially heightened global temperatures. Media reports disclose that the global average temperatures during this timeframe surpassed pre-industrial averages by approximately 1.32 degrees Celsius.
The report further issues a cautionary note, asserting that the impact of El Nino, a natural climate phenomenon that releases oceanic heat into the atmosphere, is only in its initial stages and is projected to intensify next year, aligning with historical patterns.
Climate Central emphasizes that, during the scrutinized period, a staggering 90 percent of the world's population encountered a minimum of 10 days with elevated temperatures, a scenario unlikely without the influence of climate change. Additionally, a quarter of the population experienced heatwave spells lasting at least five days, made at least twice as probable by climate change.
Addressing the gravity of the situation, Andrew Pershing, Vice President (Science) at Climate Central, stated in a news conference reported by NBC News, "This is the hottest temperature our planet has experienced in something like 125,000 years."
Researchers assert that the primary driver behind the temperature surge is climate change resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels. Concurrently, the onset of El Nino is contributing to the escalating temperatures. Pershing and other scientists are issuing warnings, indicating that the upcoming year may establish new temperature records as the impact of El Nino becomes more pronounced.
(With agency inputs)
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