In a sobering revelation, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has declared 2023 as the hottest year on record, according to its latest annual State of the Climate report. The findings, released on Tuesday, highlight a series of alarming trends that underscore the urgent need for action to address climate change.
Among the key findings of the report are record-high levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases, which trap solar radiation and contribute to global warming, reached unprecedented concentrations in 2022, leading to a spike in the global average near-surface temperature. In 2023, this temperature soared to 1.45 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, marking the highest ever recorded.
The report also reveals a concerning trend in ocean heat content (OHC), with oceans absorbing nearly 90% of the extra heat trapped by GHGs since 1971. In 2023, the OHC reached its highest level in the 65-year observational record, indicating the profound impact of climate change on marine environments.
Furthermore, the global ocean experienced a significant increase in marine heatwave (MHW) coverage, reaching an average daily coverage of 32% in 2023. These heatwaves, characterized by sea surface temperatures rising to 3-4 degrees Celsius above average for extended periods, pose serious risks to marine ecosystems.
Antarctic sea ice extent also hit a record low in February 2023, plummeting to 1.79 million square kilometers – the lowest observed since satellite measurements began in 1979. This trend persisted for several months, highlighting the rapid changes occurring in polar regions.
Additionally, the report underscores the alarming rate of glacier retreat, with the hydrological year 2022-2023 witnessing the largest loss of ice on record for the global set of reference glaciers. Glaciers in North America and Europe were particularly affected, with the annual mass balance dropping to a new low of -1.2 meters water equivalent (m w.e.).
Overall, the State of the Climate report paints a stark picture of the escalating impacts of climate change on Earth’s climate system. Urgent and coordinated global action is needed to mitigate these effects and safeguard the planet’s future.
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