Scientists are alarmed by the rapid pace of climate change, with 2023 marked by extreme heatwaves, droughts, floods, fires, and ice melts. The increase in sea surface temperatures has been particularly concerning, with experts unsure of the future consequences. The Antarctic has also seen significant changes, with the lowest extent of sea ice recorded for both summer and winter. The burning of fossil fuels has created alarming dynamics between the poles and the tropics, leading to unprecedented storms. The article concludes with a warning that unless there is a radical and rapid change, failure will be built into the climate system.
Key takeaways:
- 2023 is predicted to be the hottest year in recorded history, with temperatures reaching 0.53C above the global average between 1991 and 2020, surpassing the previous record set in 2016.
- Former NASA scientist James Hansen warns that the world is moving towards a 'new climate frontier' with temperatures higher than at any point over the past million years, and calls for a generational shift of leadership to tackle the climate crisis.
- Despite scientific warnings, world leaders have been slow to acknowledge the role of fossil fuels in the climate crisis, with the United Nations Cop28 summit in Dubai ending with a vague call for a 'transition away' from them.
- Climate occurrences such as heatwaves, droughts, floods, fires, and ice melts have increased in strength and frequency, indicating that the Earth is in uncharted territory and under siege from escalated human pressures.