July 2021 Breaks Records as Hottest Month in History
The world has just experienced its first taste of a planet that is 1.5 degrees Celsius, or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit, hotter than preindustrial times. According to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service, July of this year was the most scorching July on record, surpassing the average temperature before the widespread use of fossil fuels by 1.5 to 1.6 degrees Celsius.
Climate scientists and experts are shocked by the magnitude of this temperature increase. Zeke Hausfather, a climate scientist and the climate research lead at the payments company Stripe, described it as a significant deviation from anything seen before. July’s temperature was a staggering 0.35 degrees Celsius above the previous record.
While the world had briefly surpassed the 1.5-degree mark in the past, it was during winter months for the Northern Hemisphere, minimizing the impact on densely populated areas. However, this July marked the first time temperatures were significantly above preindustrial levels during the summer months, affecting a larger portion of the global population.
It is important to note that this single month does not indicate that the world has missed its climate goal of preventing a temperature rise above 1.5 degrees. Sustained temperatures above this threshold for multiple years would be required to surpass the goal. However, scientists estimate that without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the 1.5-degree mark will likely be exceeded by 2030.
The scorching temperatures experienced in July have had severe consequences worldwide. In Phoenix, temperatures soared above 110 degrees Fahrenheit for 31 consecutive days, reaching as high as 118 or 119 degrees. The local medical examiner’s office had to bring in coolers to handle the increased number of bodies, reminiscent of the challenges faced during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
Other regions also experienced extreme heat. Rome recorded a record temperature of 107 degrees Fahrenheit, while residents in Beijing resorted to ordering full-face masks called “facekinis” to protect themselves from the intense sun. In Iran’s Persian Gulf, the heat index reached a staggering 152 degrees, approaching the limit of human survival.
These scorching temperatures align with scientists’ expectations for a climate-changed world. While some anomalies, such as the record-low Antarctic sea ice, remain unexplained, most phenomena can be attributed to continued fossil fuel consumption. Although some developed countries have reduced their reliance on coal, oil, and gas, global emissions have only plateaued. Without achieving zero emissions, the planet will continue to warm.
One concerning aspect of the warming world is how quickly people adapt to it. The warmest year on record, 2014, now seems relatively cool compared to recent temperatures. Research has shown that humans quickly become accustomed to hot temperatures, with record highs becoming the new normal within a few years.
However, certain aspects of rising temperatures will not become commonplace. Parts of the Middle East and Africa are already experiencing temperatures that surpass the limits of human tolerance. Additionally, critical infrastructure, such as electric grids, roads, and bridges, are ill-equipped to handle temperatures higher than what they were designed for. This sensitivity to temperature ranges could lead to system failures and collapses.
While the 1.5 degrees Celsius mark is not a definitive tipping point, it represents the hope of world governments to keep climate change at a manageable level. Each incremental increase in temperature exacerbates the potential impacts. Andrew Dessler, a climate scientist at Texas A&M University, warns that the next tenth of a degree will be much worse than the last.
The scorching temperatures experienced in July serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Without immediate action, the world will continue to face increasingly severe consequences.
In addition to individual efforts, what systemic changes can be implemented on a global scale to drive substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and address the urgent challenge of climate change, as highlighted by the record-breaking temperatures in July 2021
Ggering 165 degrees Fahrenheit, making it almost unbearable for the local residents.
The impact of the heat wave extends beyond discomfort. It has caused wildfires to rage across multiple countries, including the devastating Bootleg Fire in Oregon, USA, which has become the largest wildfire in the country so far this year. Droughts have also intensified, affecting agriculture and water supplies. These extreme weather events are a clear indicator of the urgent need to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Efforts to combat climate change have gained momentum in recent years, with countries pledging to reduce their emissions and transition to renewable energy sources. However, the July temperature records serve as a wake-up call, highlighting the urgency and scale of the problem. It emphasizes the need for governments, industries, and individuals to take immediate action to curb emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
While individual actions such as reducing carbon footprints and adopting sustainable practices are important, systemic changes are necessary to drive substantial reductions in emissions. This includes transitioning to renewable energy, implementing stricter regulations on industries, and investing in climate resilience measures.
The records broken in July 2021 are a stark reminder that time is running out to limit global warming and prevent catastrophic climate change. Urgent action is needed on a global scale to ensure a sustainable and livable future for generations to come.
