There are many different types of temperature records. Although they all indicate the same thing—degrees of heat in a region—they can range from small areas to large regions, or from short to very long time intervals (temperature averages). This year is once again one of the warmest years globally, and may even be the warmest year ever recorded in Spain. To better understand the context, we can explore how the Global warming influences heat waves and how it directly affects the rise in global temperatures in 2023.
This phenomenon, which has surpassed historical temperature records, has sparked intense scientific research to better understand the dynamics and consequences of climate change and how our activities are impacting this process. In 2023, the planet's average annual temperature was on the verge of exceeding 1,5 degrees Celsius (°C) pre-industrial levels, a substantive figure, because the Paris Agreement on climate change aims to limit the rise in temperature in the long term (averaged over decades and not a specific year such as 2023) to no more than 1,5 ° C above the values of the pre-industrial era.
In 2023, hundreds of millions of people across the globe experienced extreme heatwaves, raising concerns about future temperature projections. This has led to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirming that the global temperature record has officially been broken, with the global annual average rapidly approaching the critical threshold of 1,5 ° C above pre-industrial levels. An explanation of these projections can be found in the article on the differences between climate change and global warming and the impact they have on heat waves.
What is happening?
During the first few months of 2023, every single month has been among the four warmest months on record. This has resulted in 2023 having the highest temperature on record. 138 yearsThis time, without the El Niño phenomenon, it makes it, by far, the warmest year on record without this phenomenon. It is estimated that if El Niño had been present, it would likely have led to a new global temperature record. For a more detailed look at these phenomena, you can read about How climate change affects sea temperatures and how it relates to ocean temperature records.
As we can see in the graph, we have the Global temperature, from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. The one that makes the most difference is the Northern Hemisphere, if we look at the average temperatures recorded since 2000, we see how there is an upswing that seems to be increasing and not giving way. The acceleration of the temperatures of recent years are worrying. And considering that this has been the year with the most heat waves for Spain since 1975, this year the Iberian country is heading towards what could be the warmest on record. Furthermore, the climate situation is related to the Global warming effects affecting various regions, which are closely linked to temperature fluctuations.
The increase in heat also affects wildlife. You can read more about how this phenomenon impacts animals in how heat affects animals and their habitats, revealing the connection between rising temperatures and biodiversity.
Factors contributing to rising temperatures
Climate change is the greatest challenge facing humanity. No one escapes its consequences, and it particularly affects the most vulnerable. The WMO has taken the values collected by six major international data sets used to monitor global temperatures. In 2023, the average annual temperature of the planet was found to be 1,45 ± 0,12 °C above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900). For a broader understanding, please refer to the article on atmospheric particles that mitigate global warming.
Since the 2014s, each decade has been warmer than the previous one. The last nine years have been the warmest on record. Analysis has determined that the ten-year average for the period 2023–XNUMX was 1,20 ± 0,12 °C above the average for the period 1850-1900. The long-term rise in global temperature is due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which has led to initiatives such as converting greenhouse gases into rocks to slow global warming. For a deeper dive into this topic, see How clean air could worsen the consequences of global warming.
The El Niño phenomenon It is a naturally occurring phenomenon that occurs cyclically, and which tends to intensify as it transitions to a warming approach. This cycle has influenced global temperatures, especially in 2023, where a noticeable warming which has exceeded the expectations of climate models. Global average sea surface temperatures reached all-time highs starting in April, beating the maximum values of July, August and September by a particularly wide margin.
Impacts on ecosystems and human activity
Heat waves have had a profound impact on various marine ecosystems and human life. ocean acidification has been increasing as a result of carbon dioxide uptake, affecting marine life, including coral reefs, which are experiencing a significant deteriorationThis situation adds to other problems arising from the global warming and its disastrous effects on ecosystems.
Concentrations of the main greenhouse gases reached record levels in 2023. The warming rates of marine water have shown a particularly marked increase in the last two decades, which has contributed to a global warming extreme weather events are already occurring around the world, including droughts, floods, and more intense and frequent storms. In this context, it must be considered that Forest fires will be more dangerous and longer lasting due to global warming and its devastating effects.
Socioeconomic repercussions
Extreme weather and climate events will continue to have serious socio-economic impacts on all inhabited continents. food insecurity has been exacerbated by extreme weather conditions, affecting agriculture and food production. It is estimated that the number of people suffering acute food insecurity worldwide has more than doubled, from 149 million people before the COVID-19 pandemic to 333 million people in 2023For a more detailed look at this issue, you can read about the food insecurity and global warming and its impact on the lives of millions.
Floods linked to extreme rainfall as a result of phenomena such as the Mediterranean cyclone have severely affected countries such as Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Libya. In the latter country, the death toll has been especially high in September. In addition, prolonged droughts in several regions have intensified economic and social difficulties, especially in developing countries, which is linked to the rising temperatures in different regions and its consequences for the vulnerable population.
Global temperature statistics
Global sea surface temperatures were exceptionally high for much of 2023, and with widespread marine heatwaves affecting regions such as the Mediterranean, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, Indian Ocean, North Pacific and North Atlantic. temperature anomalies that have not been observed before, which poses serious problems such as rising sea levels, which are increasing faster than previously thought. This continuing trend highlights the need for more research into the global warming and its effects, especially with rising global temperatures by 2023.
Future implications
The WMO and other research organizations have warned that if these trends continue, 2024 could be even hotterThe probability of a global temperature increase of 1,5 ° C is increasing. It is estimated that at least one of the five years between 2024 and 2028 will see a temperature increase that will exceed this critical limit. This highlights the urgency of adopting effective and sustained measures to mitigate climate change and slow the rise in global temperatures.
Current climate models suggest that without appropriate action, the world could face a temperature increase of between 2,5 ° C and 2,9 ° C during this century. This continued increase in greenhouse gas emissions is a clear call to action. The Earth, in fact, is burning red, as recent studies have shown, and this phenomenon may be reinforced by the Extreme heat that will melt regions like Mallorca and will affect various geographies.
It is imperative that both governments and individuals assume responsibility in the fight against climate change, implementing effective policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the use of renewable energy. Collective action is essential to creating a sustainable future for future generations.
I think that one of the current problems is that man forgot that he lives in a dynamic and not static world and that naturally and over time natural climatic changes take place that allow the living beings of the planet to gradually adapt to these changes However, the problem is that when these changes become critical with inappropriate actions in the management of the natural balance, they cause the shortening or definitive disappearance of these species and natural resources. So according to the information we are reading in this article we are entering a natural process of global warming, it is possible then that we are entering the transition period of this natural change.