In March 2024, the globe marked a worrying milestone: it was the hottest March ever recorded with the average temperature worldwide for the month being 57.4°F (14.14°C), surpassing the average temperature by 0.73°C and edging out the record set in February of the same year.

The data stretched back to 1940 and was supported by various sources. With the past 10 months consecutively setting new heat records, this extreme heat forms part of a worrying trend that saw 2023 as the hottest since records began in 1850, further cementing the reality of our rapidly warming world.

The Cause

Experts pin the blame squarely on climate change, attributing this surge to a steady rise in human-generated greenhouse gas emissions. Parallel to this, the El Niño phenomenon, which causes periodic warming, contributed to this peak but is now showing signs of weakening.

Despite this, March’s sea surface temperatures reached unparalleled highs, highlighting the persisting impact of climate change. Samantha Burgess, the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) Deputy Director, emphasized the alarming rate at which our climate is evolving, highlighting the critical need for immediate action.

“March 2024 continues the sequence of climate records toppling for both air temperature and ocean surface temperatures, with the 10th consecutive record-breaking month. The global average temperature is the highest on record, with the past 12 months being 1.58°C above pre-industrial levels. Stopping further warming requires rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.’’ the Deputy Director said.

The Effects

The effects of this temperature surge are far-reaching, with devastating consequences for ecosystems, agriculture, and human health worldwide. Reports from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) detail the increased frequency of extreme weather events, from droughts to floods, directly linked to the warming climate.

Venezuela contended with rampant wildfires, while Southern Africa faced severe droughts, endangering millions of lives. The marine environment has not been spared either, with potential mass coral bleaching events threatening underwater ecosystems.

Government Response

In response to these alarming trends, governments and organizations are ramping up efforts to mitigate climate change. The European Union, for example, has pledged to increase its renewable energy targets and enhance efficiency measures, aiming to lead by example in the global fight against warming. This initiative is part of a broader strategy outlined in the EU’s Green Deal, which seeks to transform the bloc into a modern, resource-efficient economy.

As El Niño begins to recede, there’s a glimmer of hope that the relentless streak of record-breaking temperatures might ease. However, experts caution against complacency. The overarching influence of greenhouse gas emissions continues to drive global warming, with potentially dire consequences if left unchecked.

Image Source: Discover Magazine