Warning: This article is not for climate deniers, people who turn a blind eye to the global changes and anyone who doesn't want to change anything for the environment and climate protection. If you belong to these groups, read on at your own risk. For everyone else: It's time to open your eyes and take action!
In an unprecedented and alarming development, a new global heat record was recorded in July 2024. This heat record marks another alarming milestone in the ongoing climate change that is having a profound impact worldwide. The official Copernicus report highlights the urgency with which we must address the increasing challenges of climate change.
July 2024 will go down in history as the month in which the world set a new daily global average temperature record. With an average temperature of 17.15°C on July 22, 2024, surpassing all previous records, it is clear that climate change is progressing at an alarming rate. This development has not only global but also specific regional implications that will affect us all, especially in Germany and Saxony.
Background information
According to the Report from Copernicus, the global average temperature reached a new high of 17.15°C on July 22, 2024. This exceeds the previous record of 17.09°C, which was set just one day earlier, on July 21, 2024. Another previous record of 17.08°C was measured on July 6, 2023. These extremely high temperatures are a clear indication of increasing global warming caused by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. The new record surpasses all previous records since the ERA5 dataset began in 1940 and provides further evidence of the urgent need for action to combat climate change.
Photo: Screenshot to Daily global average surface air temperature for 2024 (red), 2023 (orange), and all years between 1940 and 2022 (grey). Red shading indicates the difference between the daily global average temperatures from 2023 to 2024, for days where 2024 has been warmer than 2023. Data for 22 July 2024 is preliminary. Data source: ERA5, via Climate Pulse. Credit: C3S/ECMWF
Possible consequences worldwide
The effects of such a rise in temperature are far-reaching and profound. Worldwide, higher temperatures lead to more extreme weather events such as heatwaves, droughts, storms and floods. These extreme weather conditions endanger not only human health, but also global agriculture, water supplies and natural ecosystems. The melting of the polar ice caps and rising sea levels threaten coastal regions and could force millions of people to relocate.
The consequences for Germany and Saxony
The consequences of rising temperatures are also being felt in Germany and especially in Saxony. Heatwaves, which are becoming more frequent and more intense, pose a significant health risk, especially for the elderly, children and people with existing health problems. Agriculture in Saxony is suffering from the extreme temperatures and the associated droughts, which are reducing crop yields and jeopardizing food production.
Water scarcity is also becoming an ever greater problem. In recent years, numerous regions in Germany have already been affected by water shortages and this trend is expected to continue. Extreme temperatures are putting additional pressure on water resources and leading to restrictions in the water supply for households, agriculture and industry.
The impact on the environment is also worrying. Higher temperatures and changing precipitation patterns are leading to a shift in habitats for many plant and animal species, which is destabilizing the local ecosystem. Forests in Saxony could suffer more from drought and forest fires, further endangering biodiversity.
Need for urgent action
In light of these alarming developments, it is imperative that we as a society take immediate and decisive action to combat climate change. This requires a drastic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, the promotion of renewable energy and the implementation of sustainable practices in all aspects of life.
We must face the fact that climate change is no longer a distant threat, but an imminent danger that is already having a significant impact on our lives and our environment. It is up to us to act now to prevent the worst consequences and ensure a future worth living for generations to come.
Thank you for reading this far
The new heat record in July 2024 is a powerful wake-up call. It reminds us that time to act is running out and that we must intensify our efforts to combat climate change. Future generations depend on the decisions we make today. It is our responsibility to protect the planet and ensure a sustainable, safe and healthy future, including in Saxony.
Source: https://climate.copernicus.eu/new-record-daily-global-average-temperature-reached-july-2024
