March sets another global heat record, continuing a worrying trend
March has marked the 10th consecutive month of record-breaking global temperatures, signaling an urgent need for environmental action.
Suman Naishadham reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- March 2024 experienced unprecedented warmth, with average temperatures surpassing previous records and ocean temperatures hitting their highest for the month.
- Scientists attribute this trend to a strong El Nino event and exacerbated by human-induced climate change from fossil fuel emissions.
- Despite the waning El Nino, experts predict that the record-breaking global temperatures will continue unless substantial action is taken against greenhouse gas emissions.
Key quote:
"The trajectory will not change until concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop rising."
— Jennifer Francis, Woodwell Climate Research Center scientist
Why this matters:
Heatwaves, once considered exceptional, are becoming more frequent and severe, affecting millions around the world. These extreme heat events not only pose immediate health risks, especially to the elderly, young children, and those with preexisting health conditions, but also strain our healthcare systems, increase energy demand due to air conditioning, and exacerbate air pollution.
LISTEN: Daniel Carrión on the "heat stroke or go broke" dilemma.
