The period of global warming is over, and we have now entered an “era of global boiling,” according to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Scientists have confirmed that July 2023 is on pace to be the hottest month ever recorded in human history, which brings this terrifying assertion to light. There is climate change. It is horrifying. And it’s just the start, said Guterres. While it is still possible to keep the increase in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius beyond pre-industrial levels, he emphasized that doing so would need fast and drastic climate action.
With global temperatures breaking previous records, the last three weeks have been the hottest on record. The burning of fossil fuels has resulted in violent weather patterns, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the EU’s Copernicus Earth monitoring program, which is to blame for this unprecedented heat. The sweltering temperatures in July have been so intense that experts believe it will be the warmest month ever recorded worldwide.
According to the WMO and Copernicus Climate Change Service, the temperature of the Earth has momentarily surpassed the generally agreed-upon target of keeping global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Although this limit has been crossed in the past, it has never happened in July. As this crisis worsened, Guterres emphasized the essential necessity for quick political action. “Humanity is in the hot seat,” he declared. It is a terrible summer for large portions of North America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. It’s a catastrophe for our world as a whole. And it is clear to scientists that humans are to fault.
He criticized the unacceptably high levels of fossil fuel profits and the lack of action on climate change and urged policymakers to act swiftly.
“The amount of fossil fuel profits and climate inaction is untenable. The heat is intolerable. The air is unbreathable. There must be leaders. No more procrastination, justifications, or waiting for other people to take the initiative. Simply put, there is no time left for that.
Although there has been significant progress, like the vigorous rollout of renewable energy sources and encouraging actions from industries like shipping, Guterres emphasized that these efforts are not moving quickly or far enough. He warned that “accelerating temperatures demand accelerated action,” highlighting the critical nature of the situation. The need for swift and drastic action has never been more urgent as the globe struggles to cope with the terrible effects of climate change.