Third-hottest Month on Record Experienced Globally in July

In July, the world witnessed a pause in the streak of record-breaking temperatures, but the respite does not signal a halt in climate change, according to Carlo Buontempo, the director of the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service.

This year's July was recorded as the third hottest worldwide since records began, with the average worldwide surface air temperature reaching 16.68 degrees Celsius (62.02 degrees Fahrenheit). In some regions, temperatures soared above 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). The Gulf, Iraq, and Turkey experienced temperatures surpassing this mark, with Turkey recording temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius for the first time in July.

The high temperatures in July followed a trend of extreme heatwaves and catastrophic floods observed in July as effects of a warming world, according to Buontempo. He warned that unless greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere are rapidly stabilized, new temperature records and worsening impacts can be expected.

The temperature in July 2024 was 1.25 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial period (1850-1900). This is significant as the main cause of rising temperatures is the burning of fossil fuels, contributing to increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere.

Two years ago, the hottest July on record was recorded. However, the pause in record-breaking temperatures does not mean that climate change has stopped. Buontempo emphasized that the pause is not unusual and can occur due to natural variability in the climate system.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service monitors and analyses global and regional climate data to provide timely and accurate information on climate change and its impacts. This information is crucial for policymakers, scientists, and the public to understand the effects of climate change and take appropriate actions.

Despite the pause in record-breaking temperatures, the importance of addressing climate change remains paramount. The world must work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change to ensure a sustainable future for all.