Record Ocean Temperatures Observed
According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service and the Copernicus Marine Service, global ocean temperatures outside the polar regions reached unprecedented levels on June 21. Temperatures hit 20.86 degrees Celsius, surpassing the figures from previous years. The Copernicus Marine Service recorded an even higher temperature of 21 degrees Celsius, setting a new record by a 0.1-degree increase.
Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Richard Allan, a climate science professor at the University of Reading, UK, emphasized the link between warming temperatures and greenhouse gas emissions. Fossil fuel combustion increases the presence of these gases in the atmosphere, restricting Earth’s ability to dissipate heat into space. Oceans absorb more than 90% of this excess energy, resulting in higher temperatures and evident climate change impacts.
Heat Waves Across the United States
A dangerous heatwave swept through the United States, impacting over 46 million people as extreme heat alerts were issued. The National Weather Service reported temperatures reaching the mid-to-upper 90s, with some regions experiencing more than 100 degrees. Areas like the Ohio Valley and Northeast faced record-breaking highs, extending into Canada.
Europe Facing Excessive Heat Risks
Europe saw heat records broken as well, with WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighting over 1,300 excess deaths since June 21 due to elevated temperatures. France’s health ministry reported about 1,000 more deaths than anticipated during its heatwave. Tedros stated that such phenomena, driven by climate change, occur almost annually now. He noted that Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average, with infrastructure not designed for such heat.