February 2024 marked the ninth consecutive month of record-breaking global heat, with soaring temperatures observed not only on land but also in the world's oceans. The European Union climate agency Copernicus reported that sea surface temperatures in February surpassed all previous records, exceeding even the peak reached in August 2023.
February 2024 averaged 13.54 degrees Celsius (56.37 degrees Fahrenheit), breaking the previous record set in 2016 by a significant margin. This increase in temperature is part of a long-term warming trend, with February being 1.77 degrees Celsius (3.19 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than the late 19th century.
Climate scientists attribute the record heat to human-caused climate change, primarily driven by carbon dioxide and methane emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. The ongoing El Nino event has also contributed to the elevated global temperatures by transferring heat from the ocean to the atmosphere.
Notably, the Arctic region is experiencing accelerated warming compared to the rest of the globe, leading to significant impacts on ecosystems, ice melt, and ocean currents. Record high ocean temperatures outside the Pacific indicate a broader trend of heat accumulation due to greenhouse gas emissions.
The warmest winter on record, spanning December 2023 to February 2024, surpassed previous highs by nearly a quarter of a degree. This unprecedented warmth underscores the urgent need to reduce CO2 emissions to prevent further temperature increases.
Experts warn that swift action is required to curb the rise in global temperatures and avoid more severe consequences in the future. The current situation, rated as a '10' on a scale of severity, may escalate unless decisive measures are taken to mitigate the impact of heat-trapping gases.
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