Summer 2024 has officially been the Earth’s hottest on record, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. In Europe, it was also the warmest, with temperatures 1.54°C above the 1991-2020 average, surpassing the previous record set in 2022.
August marked the 13th month in the past 14 where global average temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. While the UK experienced its coolest summer since 2015, much of Europe faced unusually high temperatures.
Globally, the average temperature this year has been 0.7°C higher than the 1991-2020 norm, the highest ever recorded, making it increasingly likely that 2024 will become the warmest year on record.
Heatwaves and extreme weather events have had widespread impacts. Samantha Burgess, Copernicus deputy director, warned that temperature-driven extreme events seen this summer will only intensify.
Europe saw numerous temperature records broken, with Austria, Spain, and Finland setting new highs, while Switzerland experienced its second warmest summer. Cooler conditions were noted in parts of the UK, Ireland, Portugal, and northern Europe.
While human activities remain the main driver of global warming, the El Niño climate pattern, which warmed sea surface temperatures in the Pacific from June 2023 to May 2024, also contributed to the recent heat. Though El Niño has ended, its effects will likely influence global temperatures in 2024. Meanwhile, scientists expect a shift toward the cooler La Niña phase in the coming months.
The transition to La Niña, which typically brings cooler ocean temperatures in the Pacific, may offer a temporary moderation in global temperature rise. However, scientists caution that the underlying trend of global warming driven by human activity is likely to persist. Even with La Niña’s cooling influence, 2024 could still be the warmest year on record due to the accumulated heat in the atmosphere from both natural and human-induced factors.
Extreme weather events, such as heatwaves, wildfires, and heavy rainfall, have continued to impact various regions worldwide. Countries across Europe experienced scorching temperatures and drought conditions, straining energy systems, agriculture, and water supplies. In contrast, other areas faced flash floods and severe storms, underscoring the unpredictability and intensity of climate-related disruptions.
Looking ahead, climate experts stress the urgency of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate the long-term impacts of global warming. Even as natural climate patterns like El Niño and La Niña fluctuate, the broader challenge remains to slow the pace of climate change through sustainable practices, renewable energy adoption, and global cooperation on environmental policies.
The record-breaking heat of 2024 may serve as a pivotal reminder of the importance of immediate climate action. Scientists warn that without significant changes, extreme weather events will become more frequent and severe, affecting ecosystems, economies, and communities around the world.
