Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S): the past three months have been the hottest on record

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has announced that the past three months have been the hottest on record globally. The agency, funded by the European Union, revealed that sea surface temperatures have reached unprecedented highs for the third consecutive month, while Antarctic sea ice extent remains at a record low for this time of year.

August 2023 was the hottest August ever recorded, and the second hottest month overall, following July 2023. C3S estimates that August was approximately 1.5°C warmer than the preindustrial average for 1850-1900. From January to August 2023, it has been the second warmest year on record, with 2016 being the warmest due to a powerful El Niño event. The global monthly average sea surface temperature in August was the highest ever recorded, surpassing the previous record set in March 2016. Meanwhile, Antarctic sea ice extent remained 12% below average, the largest negative anomaly for August since satellite observations began in the late 1970s. A report from the World Meteorological Organization and the UK’s Met Office in May predicted a 98% likelihood that at least one of the next five years will be the warmest on record. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgent need for action to address climate change. The Copernicus Climate Change Service, implemented by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, monitors climate and has been closely following global air and sea surface temperatures. The World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General, Prof. Petteri Taalas, highlighted the extreme weather events experienced during the summer in the northern hemisphere and the unprecedented Antarctic sea ice extent in the southern hemisphere. Carlo Buontempo, Director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, warned that the persistence of these record-breaking conditions and their impacts on people and the planet are clear consequences of climate change.

Earth’s Hottest Summer: A Season of Extreme Heat and Environmental Devastation

The scorching temperatures experienced during Earth’s hottest summer on record have resulted in widespread environmental devastation. The extreme heat has fueled devastating wildfires, causing immense damage to forests and wildlife habitats. The severity of these fires has been exacerbated by the prolonged drought conditions that have plagued many regions. Additionally, the intense heat has led to the melting of glaciers and ice caps, contributing to rising sea levels and increased flooding in coastal areas. The impact on agriculture has been significant, with crop failures and water shortages affecting food production. The unprecedented heatwaves have also taken a toll on human health, leading to an increase in heat-related illnesses and deaths. These alarming consequences highlight the urgent need for immediate action to address climate change and mitigate its devastating effects.

Climate Breakdown and the Urgent Call for Action: Earth’s Record-Breaking Heatwaves

The record-breaking heatwaves experienced during Earth’s hottest summer on record have sounded a clear alarm bell for the urgent need to address climate breakdown. The scorching temperatures have brought about unprecedented challenges, including devastating wildfires, melting glaciers, and rising sea levels. These extreme heat events have not only caused immense damage to ecosystems and wildlife habitats but have also posed significant threats to human health and food production. With the global average sea surface temperature reaching its highest level ever recorded in August, it is evident that immediate action is required to curb greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the catastrophic impacts of climate change. The time for decisive action is now.

Unprecedented Changes: Antarctic Sea Ice Shrinks as Global Temperatures Soar

The Copernicus Climate Change Service’s latest report reveals unprecedented changes in the Antarctic, as global temperatures continue to soar. The data shows that Antarctic sea ice extent remains at a record low for this time of year, with August 2023 experiencing the largest negative anomaly since satellite observations began in the late 1970s. This alarming trend is a clear indication of the impact of climate change on the polar regions. As sea surface temperatures reach unprecedented highs globally, the shrinking of Antarctic sea ice poses significant risks to marine ecosystems and wildlife. Urgent action is needed to address these unprecedented changes and protect the fragile Antarctic environment.

As Earth records the hottest three months ever on record, the urgent call for action to address climate change grows louder. The devastating consequences of extreme heat, from wildfires to melting glaciers, highlight the need for immediate global efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate breakdown. The unprecedented changes in the Antarctic serve as a stark reminder of the fragile state of our planet and the pressing need for decisive action. It is crucial that we come together as a global community to protect our environment and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.