September 2023: Second-Warmest Month Recorded, Warns EU Climate Monitor

September 2023 was recorded as the second-warmest September globally, with extreme weather events linked to climate change occurring more frequently. The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) indicated that 2024 is likely to surpass previous temperature records, emphasizing the urgency to combat climate change.

September 2023 has been recorded as the second-warmest September globally, a notable highlight in a year poised to become the hottest on record, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) of the European Union. The average global temperature observed during September was exceeded only by that of September 2023. Extreme weather phenomena, including severe rainfall and destructive storms, have characterized this month across various regions, reflecting an alarming trend of increasing severity and frequency linked to rising global temperatures attributed to climate change. As atmospheric conditions shift, warmer air retains more moisture, while elevated ocean temperatures facilitate greater evaporation, culminating in intensified precipitation patterns. Noteworthy weather events included Hurricane Helene impacting the southeastern United States, Typhoon Krathon affecting Taiwan, and Storm Boris causing flooding and destruction in central Europe. “The extreme rainfall events of this month, something we are observing more and more often, have been made worse by a warmer atmosphere, leading to more intense rainfall with months’ worth of rain falling in just a few days,” stated Samantha Burgess, Deputy Director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service. Furthermore, the data indicates that 2023 is anticipated to be the warmest year recorded, with the months from January to September 2024 already setting new temperature records. The Copernicus report asserts that it is “almost certain that 2024 is going to be the warmest year on record.” This organization has maintained climate records since 1940, and they leverage historical data from diverse sources, including ice cores, tree rings, and coral skeletons, to support their scientific conclusions.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) operates under the leadership of the European Union, tasked with monitoring climate change and its impacts globally. Established in response to the pressing need for reliable climate data, C3S provides critical insights into climatic trends and variations. It employs a vast array of data sources to analyze atmospheric changes over time, thus allowing for informed assessments regarding global temperature fluctuations and associated environmental phenomena. The increasing patterns of extreme weather events are directly correlated with the ongoing climate crisis, emphasizing the urgency for global mitigative actions against climate change.

In summary, September 2023 stands as a significant milestone in climate monitoring, representing the second-highest global temperatures recorded for that month. The encompassing effects of climate change are evidenced by escalating severe weather events, further complicating the ecological landscape. With projections indicating that 2024 may establish new records in global temperature rise, the imperative for addressing climate change becomes increasingly critical. The Copernicus Climate Change Service continues to serve as a vital source of data and analysis in this ongoing battle against global warming.

Original Source: www.barrons.com