September 2021 Sets Record for Highest Deviation from Normal Temperatures
September 2021 has made history, setting a new record for the highest deviation from normal temperatures, according to the European climate agency. The average temperature for the month was a staggering 0.93 degrees Celsius (1.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above the 1991-2020 average, marking the largest anomaly in 83 years of recorded data.
This news is concerning as temperature anomalies serve as crucial indicators of climate change and have severe impacts on both people and ecosystems. The global temperature for September reached 16.38 degrees Celsius (61.48 degrees Fahrenheit), breaking the previous record set in September 2020 by 0.5 degrees Celsius (0.9 degrees Fahrenheit).
So, what exactly caused these record-breaking temperatures? Scientists attribute this phenomenon to the persistent and unusual warmth in the world’s oceans, which did not cool off as much as they typically would in September. This warming trend in our oceans is closely linked to climate change and poses significant threats.
Worryingly, Earth is currently on track for its hottest year on record, with temperatures already about 1.4 degrees Celsius (2.5 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than pre-industrial times. This exceeds the target set by the international community in 2015 to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. September’s temperatures surpassed this threshold by a striking 1.75 degrees Celsius (3.15 degrees Fahrenheit).
While the El Nino climate cycle has contributed to the temporary warming, climate change is the primary factor driving the overall warming trend. The combination of rapid global warming and the temporary warming caused by El Nino creates a dangerous situation that demands immediate action.
Scientists warn that if these record-breaking hot events continue, there will be little respite for humans and nature. The constant exposure to high temperatures leaves no time for recovery. Furthermore, experts predict that El Nino will intensify and lead to even higher temperatures in the coming years.
Climate scientists describe the temperatures observed in September as “absolutely gobsmackingly bananas” and express grave concern over the trend of increasingly extreme heat. This serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for bold actions to address climate change and transition towards a sustainable future.
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