The past 12 months have seen record-breaking heat, with the average temperature of the Earth rising by over 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to before the industrialization period. This increase in temperature has sparked concern among researchers, as it is considered a critical threshold for avoiding the most severe impacts of climate change. According to research professor Hannele Korhonen, reducing emissions is the most important step to combat global warming.
Recent data from the EU’s Copernicus service shows that March of this year was the hottest on record, continuing a trend of record-breaking warmth. In Finland, a recent heat record was set in Lappeenranta, while in Germany, some areas experienced tropical night temperatures. Individual heat records have even been recorded in Antarctica, with a temperature spike of 38.5 degrees above the long-term average.
A variety of factors may be contributing to the sudden rise in global temperatures, including the El Nino phenomenon, increasing greenhouse gas concentrations, volcanic eruptions, and variations in solar radiation. If global temperatures continue to rise at an accelerated pace, researchers may consider artificial methods to cool the climate, such as reflecting solar radiation or imitating volcanic eruptions.
The urgency of addressing climate change is clear, with Korhonen emphasizing the need to reduce emissions and explore innovative solutions to mitigate the impacts of global warming. As the planet faces unprecedented challenges, it is essential for individuals, communities, and governments to take action to address climate change and safeguard the future of our planet.