June 2024 marks hottest june on record globally: Climate Change Report
June 2024 has clinched the title of the hottest June ever recorded globally, as confirmed by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S). This milestone extends an unprecedented streak of 13 consecutive months setting new temperature records, underscoring the intensifying impact of climate change.
According to C3S, June’s global temperatures surpassed all historical averages, exceeding the pre-industrial era levels (1850-1900) by a staggering 1.50 degrees Celsius. This marks the 12th consecutive month where temperatures have breached the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, a significant marker in climate science.
Carlo Buontempo, director of C3S, emphasized the significance of this trend, stating, “This streak of record-breaking temperatures is more than a statistical anomaly; it reflects a profound and ongoing shift in our climate. Even if this sequence ends, further records are inevitable unless we curtail greenhouse gas emissions.”
Europe also experienced notable warmth during June 2024, with temperatures averaging 1.57 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average. This makes it the joint second warmest June on record for the continent. The disparity in temperatures across Europe ranged from significantly above average in southeastern regions and Turkey to near or below average in western Europe, Iceland, and northwestern Russia.
The current heatwave gripping Southern Europe has exacerbated concerns about public health and wildfire risks. Several regions reported temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, prompting urgent advisories and precautionary measures. Greece, facing its earliest documented heatwave, has seen multiple fatalities, prompting closures of popular tourist sites like the Acropolis. Similarly, Italy issued multiple heatwave alerts following temperatures peaking at 42 degrees Celsius in mid-June.
The impact of rising temperatures extends beyond Europe, affecting polar regions as well. The Arctic and Antarctic both recorded significant reductions in sea ice extent compared to historical averages, further underscoring the global nature of these climate shifts.
As global temperatures continue to rise unabated, experts warn that urgent action is necessary to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change. The persistence of record-breaking temperatures highlights the critical need for global cooperation in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to a changing climate landscape.
