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January 16, 2024
This executive summary is based on the article “2023 Was the Hottest Year Ever and 2024 May Be Even Worse”, published by Time and written by Aryn Baker, on January 12, 2023.
What is the message?
The year 2023 has been declared the hottest ever recorded, breaking the previous record set in 2016 by a significant margin.
This alarming trend poses severe risks, with global temperatures perilously close to breaching the 1.5°C limit established in the 2015 Paris climate accords.
ONE PAGE SUMMARY
What are the key points?
Record-breaking Heat:
Multiple scientific bodies, including the Copernicus Climate Change Service, WMO, and NOAA, affirm that 2023 was 1.48°C warmer than the pre-industrial period.
Acceleration of Climate Change:
Scientists are concerned about the potential acceleration of climate change, with 2023’s high temperatures raising questions about whether this is a trend or an anomaly linked to El Niño.
Climate Disasters:
The extreme heat of 2023 resulted in heatwaves, floods, and wildfires globally, causing 28 billion-dollar climate disasters in the U.S. alone.
Future Predictions:
CCCS and the UK’s Met Office predict a temperature average exceeding 1.5°C in the upcoming year, possibly influenced by the extended presence of El Niño.
Impacts and Warnings:
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasizes that 2023 is a preview of catastrophic futures, urging immediate and drastic actions to combat climate change.
What are the key statistics?
2023 was 1.48°C warmer than the pre-industrial period.
28 billion-dollar climate disasters in the U.S. in 2023.
NOAA warns a one-in-three chance of higher temperatures in 2024.
Former NASA scientist James Hansen warns of a potential rise of 1.7°C by May.
What are the key examples?
Weather Disasters: Heatwaves, floods, and wildfires wreaked havoc globally, causing significant economic and environmental damage.
El Niño Influence: Questions arise about whether El Niño’s return contributed to the record temperatures, similar to the 2016 record-setting year.
UN Secretary-General’s Statement: Guterres warns that humanity’s actions are scorching the earth, emphasizing the urgent need for unprecedented actions.
Conclusion
The record-breaking heat of 2023 raises critical concerns about the acceleration of climate change.
With predictions indicating the likelihood of surpassing the 1.5°C threshold in the coming year, urgent and drastic measures are deemed essential to mitigate the catastrophic impact on the planet.
UN officials stress the severity of the situation, emphasizing the importance of immediate and substantial actions to combat climate change.
To read the original publication, click here.
