Temperatures 1.5C above pre-industrial era average for 12 months, data shows

The Copernicus Climate Change Service reports that global temperatures have been 1.5C above pre-industrial levels for 12 consecutive months, with the period between July 2023 and June 2024 being the hottest on record. This sustained heatwave poses risks of extreme weather events and potential tipping points. The director of the service warns that without reducing greenhouse gas emissions, new temperature records will continue to be broken. Experts emphasize the detrimental impact of rising temperatures on ecosystems, with projections indicating significant coral reef loss with just 1.5C of warming. Despite efforts to limit global warming, many scientists predict a temperature increase exceeding 2.5C by 2100, leading to severe consequences. The climate crisis is described as a gradual progression where even small temperature increments have significant implications, necessitating robust adaptation strategies. The situation underscores the urgent need to address climate change to prevent further environmental degradation and human suffering.