Earth experienced its 10th consecutive month of record-breaking global temperatures in March 2024, with both air temperatures and ocean temperatures hitting all-time highs for the month. The European Union climate agency Copernicus reported that March 2024 averaged 14.14 degrees Celsius, exceeding the previous record from 2016 by a tenth of a degree. This trend of breaking heat records each month has been attributed to a combination of a strong El Nino event and non-natural marine heat waves across large areas of the world’s oceans.
According to scientists, the record-breaking heat is primarily due to human-caused climate change resulting from carbon dioxide and methane emissions from the burning of fossil fuels. Woodwell Climate Research Center scientist Jennifer Francis stated that the trajectory of continued record-breaking temperatures will not change until greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere stop rising. She emphasized the need to transition away from fossil fuels, stop deforestation, and adopt more sustainable agricultural practices in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Under the 2015 Paris Agreement, the world aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. However, Copernicus’ temperature data, which is measured monthly, has consistently shown temperatures exceeding this threshold by significant margins. Deputy director Samantha Burgess noted that while March’s record-breaking temperature was not as exceptional as previous months, the overall trajectory of rising temperatures is concerning. The global sea surface temperature in March also reached a record high, emphasizing the urgency for more ambitious global action to reduce emissions and transition to renewable energy sources.
Despite the waning of the El Nino event, scientists anticipate that the globe will continue to experience record-breaking heat until significant actions are taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Burgess stressed the need for countries to work towards achieving net-zero emissions as soon as possible in order to mitigate the impacts of climate change and limit further temperature increases. She urged for increased global cooperation and coordination to address the growing climate crisis and transition towards a more sustainable future.
As the world grapples with the ongoing climate crisis, the AP’s climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from various private foundations. The AP remains committed to providing accurate and comprehensive reporting on climate-related issues and the potential solutions to address the challenges posed by global warming. With the continued trend of record-breaking temperatures, there is a growing urgency for immediate action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and work towards a more sustainable and resilient future for the planet.
