Earth’s Hot Streak Just Broke Another Record

Our planet has broken another record, but we should not be too eager to call Guiness because this one is nothing to brag about. This June was the third month this year when the worldwide heat record was broken and unfortunately, Earth’s hot streak is unlikely to end son.

We may be used to changes of up to 50 degrees Fahrenheit from one day to another, but if the average temperature across the world over a month rises by as much as 10% of a single degree something unusual is going on. And the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has concluded that this year’s June was hotter by 0.22 Fahrenheit degrees that last year.

The monthly heat record was also broken this year in March and May. Scientists from the above mentioned organization are almost certain this year will be, overall, the hottest yet. And we barely got through the first half of it.

Their claim is supported by more than the thermometers. The recent fishing ban in the Arctic waters was implemented due to large amounts of fish migrating to northern waters to escape the warming of the World Ocean. The part of the Arctic Ocean covered by ice has also shrunk to a record low this year.

Sudden and massive heatwaves have claimed more than 3,000 lives in India and Pakistan, while meteorologists warn that unpredictable and powerful weather effects can be expected in the latter parts of the year.

The culprit seems to be, like always, global warming. The greenhouse effect seems to only get worse. More and more attention is drawn to this matter, from Pope Francis’ climate change meeting to the U. S., Russia and three other countries signing an accord of scientific collaboration in order to better understand the changes that affect the Arctic Ocean.

Environmental organizations such as Greenpeace have warned that all this attention amounts to nothing if solid measures are not taken soon. Indeed, the trend our planet has followed so far this year seems to be still ongoing. Scientists warn that further heat records could be broken in the months ahead.

Earth is unlikely to get better on its own. If something is not done soon enough the results could be disastrous. But perhaps this warning will be enough of a waking call for all of us.

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