Astounding' ocean temperatures in 2023 intensified extreme weather, data shows
The oceans absorbed record levels of heat in 2023, leading to intensified climate crisis and freak weather events.
The oceans have been getting hotter every year for the past decade, threatening marine life and reducing the oceans' ability to absorb carbon dioxide. [ more ]
2023 smashes record for world's hottest year by huge margin
2023 was the hottest year on record, surpassing the previous record set in 2016 by a significant margin.
The primary cause of increased global heating in 2023 was continued record emissions of carbon dioxide, assisted by the natural climate phenomenon El Nino. [ more ]
Global heating will pass 1.5C threshold this year, top ex-Nasa scientist says
The internationally agreed threshold to limit global heating to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels will be breached by 2024.
The burning of fossil fuels and the effects of El Nino are pushing global temperatures higher, and the melting of ice is further amplifying global heating. [ more ]
This may be our last chance': Cop28 talks enter final phase
The Cop28 UN climate summit warns that the next few days may be the last chance to keep global heating within safe limits.
Negotiations at the summit are focused on the question of whether to phase out fossil fuels, with some countries calling for a resolution while others are against it. [ more ]
Global heating and urbanisation to blame for severity of UAE floods, study finds
Fossil fuels and concrete worsened recent record flooding in the UAE and Oman due to human-caused climate disruption.
Downpours in El Nino years became 10-40% heavier, turning roads into rivers, causing 23 deaths and substantial damage.
Cloud seeding was not a significant factor in the extreme rainfall event; the main cause was attributed to global heating from burning fossil fuels. [ more ]
Madagascan heatwave virtually impossible' without human-caused global heating
A record-breaking heatwave in Madagascar in October, linked to human-caused global heating, highlighted the lack of capabilities in African governments to record climate impacts.
The extreme temperatures impacted millions of poor people, but the damage was not recorded by officials or the media.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to human-caused global heating, leading to unreported early deaths and increasing the need for funding to help developing countries cope with climate impacts. [ more ]