Record-breaking heat swept through Asia and Europe in April, with global temperatures soaring 1.58C (2.8F) above historical averages. The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that last month was the hottest April on record, and that temperatures have been 1.61C higher than pre-industrial levels over the past 12 months. This surpasses the 1.5C threshold that experts warn could have catastrophic consequences for life on Earth.
Carlo Buontempo, Director of the Copernicus program, emphasized that while temperature fluctuations due to natural cycles like El Niño may come and go, the persistent increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere will continue to drive global temperatures to new heights. Copernicus relies on billions of measurements from satellites, ships, aircraft, and weather stations to compile its monthly and seasonal forecasts.
A photograph accompanying the article shows a man unloading blocks of ice in Bangkok, Thailand amidst high temperatures on April 28th, 2024. Southeast Asia has been preparing for abnormally warm days due to the El Niño weather pattern expected to persist until June.
The article concludes by raising awareness about the unprecedented heat levels experienced globally and emphasizing the urgent need for action to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
