Climate Change and Rising Temperatures in the 2020s - September 2024

Climate Change and Rising Temperatures in the 2020s - September 2024

In the 2020s, the impact of rising temperatures has become increasingly evident. In 2021, the global average temperature rose by about 1.2°C above pre-industrial levels, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has warned that there is a very high probability that the temperature rise will reach 1.5°C in the near future. This rise in temperature is causing extreme weather events around the world.

For example, in 2021, British Columbia in Canada recorded a record high temperature of 49.6°C, resulting in hundreds of deaths. That same year, the states of Oregon and Washington in the United States also experienced extreme heat with temperatures exceeding 48°C, resulting in unprecedented heatwaves. In Europe, Sicily, Italy recorded 48.8°C in 2021, breaking its all-time high.

In 2022, extreme heatwaves also struck India and Pakistan, with temperatures reaching 50°C in some parts of India. These high temperatures have caused a significant reduction in crop yields, with Pakistan's wheat harvest being particularly hard-hit. Droughts caused by the heatwaves are also worsening, threatening food security across South Asia.

The rise in sea surface temperatures due to global warming is also a major concern. In the 2020s, sea temperatures in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans have risen, increasing the frequency and intensity of hurricanes and cyclones. In 2020, Hurricane Laura, a Category 5 storm, struck the Gulf Coast, causing widespread damage, particularly in Louisiana.

Urban areas are also experiencing worsening heat island effects due to the extreme heat and increasing frequency of extreme weather. In major metropolitan areas like Tokyo and New York, the number of heatstroke patients has surged, with hospitals recording record numbers of emergency transports. To mitigate these effects, Tokyo has been promoting urban greening efforts, introducing cool roofs, and implementing cooling pavement technologies.

These data on rising temperatures indicate that climate change is a pressing reality, and urgent action is needed. The IPCC emphasizes that to keep the temperature rise below 1.5°C, significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions are necessary by 2030. Governments and corporations around the world must continue to strengthen their efforts to combat climate change.