Earth recorded its highest-ever global average surface air temperature of 17.09 degrees Celsius (62.76 Fahrenheit), surpassing the previous record of 17.08C set in July 2023. The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service reported this data amid severe heatwaves and escalating wildfire risks across the Mediterranean and other regions.
Large areas in the United States, Europe, and Russia have been experiencing extreme temperatures. Southern Europe has been particularly affected, with temperatures exceeding 40C for weeks and resulting in numerous wildfires. Greece reported 33 wildfires within 24 hours as of Monday evening, remaining on high alert despite a forecasted temperature drop, with highs still expected above 39C.
Spain is also grappling with intense heat, with cities like Seville and Córdoba nearing 43C. Southern France and Italy are similarly facing heightened fire risks due to ongoing high temperatures. In Northern Europe, cities such as Berlin and Paris are bracing for heatwave conditions in early August, with significant deviations from typical temperatures predicted.
The sustained increase in global temperatures has disrupted various sectors, including air travel and power grids. For the year through June 2024, the average temperature was 1.64C higher than the historical average from 1850 to 1900, making June the hottest on record and marking the 13th consecutive month of new temperature highs.
These persistent high temperatures pose significant challenges in meeting the 2015 Paris Agreement goals, which aim to keep global warming well below 2C above pre-industrial levels, ideally no more than 1.5C.
In response to the escalating situation, government officials and environmental agencies are intensifying efforts to mitigate the impact of these extreme weather conditions. The increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves and wildfires underscore the urgent need for comprehensive climate action and adaptation strategies to protect vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
The continued global temperature rise highlights the critical importance of international cooperation and commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As nations grapple with the consequences of climate change, the urgency for sustainable solutions becomes increasingly clear.
