July of this year has set a new record as the hottest July in history, with temperatures reaching 1.5 to 1.6 degrees Celsius hotter than preindustrial times. Climate scientists are shocked by the magnitude of this increase, noting that it surpasses the previous record by 0.35 degrees Celsius. Unlike previous instances where temperatures briefly surpassed 1.5 degrees, this time it occurred during the summer months when most of the world’s population was directly affected.
However, this does not mean that the world has already failed to achieve its climate goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius. To exceed this threshold, temperatures would need to remain consistently above 1.5 degrees for several consecutive years. Currently, scientists predict that this milestone will be reached around 2030 unless there are significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
The impact of this exceptionally hot July has been felt worldwide. In Phoenix, temperatures soared above 110 degrees Fahrenheit for 31 days straight, leading to a surge in heat-related deaths. Rome recorded a record temperature of 107 degrees Fahrenheit, and residents in Beijing resorted to using full-face masks called “facekinis” to shield themselves from the scorching sun. In Iran’s Persian Gulf, the heat index soared to 152 degrees, approaching the limit of human survivability.
While these extreme temperatures may not be surprising to scientists, they highlight the ongoing consequences of burning fossil fuels. Although some developed countries have reduced their reliance on coal, oil, and gas, global emissions have only stabilized. To prevent further warming, global emissions must be reduced to zero.
An alarming aspect of the warming world is how quickly people become accustomed to higher temperatures. What was once considered a record high soon becomes the new normal. However, certain consequences of rising temperatures will not become commonplace. In areas of the Middle East and Africa, temperatures are reaching levels that surpass the limits of human tolerance. Additionally, infrastructure such as electric grids, roads, and bridges are ill-equipped to handle temperatures beyond their design limits.
While the 1.5 degrees Celsius mark is not a definitive tipping point, it represents the collective aspiration of governments worldwide to mitigate the impacts of climate change. With each small increment of warming, the potential consequences become increasingly severe. As climate scientist Andrew Dessler warns, “The next tenth of a degree is going to be much worse than the last tenth of a degree.” This underscores the urgency of taking immediate action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit further temperature increases.