The world experienced its hottest March on record, continuing a series of global temperature records since June 2023.
A month-long heatwave has brought drought to Vietnam. Source: NHAC NGUYEN/AFP via Getty Images
Samantha Burgess of the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) stated in a release, "In March 2024, global temperatures and ocean surface temperatures broke records for the 10th consecutive month, continuing to push the boundaries of climate records." This marks the latest sign of the Earth's climate entering uncharted territory.
According to C3S's latest climate bulletin, the average global surface temperature in March was 14.14 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record set in March 2016 by 0.1 degrees Celsius and exceeding pre-industrial levels by 1.68 degrees Celsius.
Over the past 12 months, the global average temperature has been 1.58 degrees Celsius above the average level of 1850-1900, which serves as a reference for pre-industrial levels. Nations collectively pledged to limit temperature increases to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Exceeding this level in any given year does not necessarily violate this commitment, as the target is based on long-term average levels. However, each record-breaking year increases the likelihood of surpassing this target.
In 2023 and 2024, unprecedented high temperatures, along with severe ocean heatwaves, rapid glacier melt, and intense tropical cyclones, have raised concerns about climate impacts.
Human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver of global temperature rise. However, the recent record-breaking warmth is also partly attributed to the El Niño phenomenon, a natural weather pattern where Pacific Ocean temperatures are warmer than usual.
Additionally, global regulations enacted in 2020 aimed at reducing aerosol pollution from shipping may have played a role. Aerosols can enhance cloud reflectivity, thus reducing the amount of sunlight and heat absorbed by the atmosphere. While reducing aerosol emissions improves air quality, it also increases the amount of heat entering the atmosphere.
Scientists emphasize that while aerosols may provide short-term cooling effects, decarbonizing the global economy is the only long-term strategy to mitigate climate change. "Halting further warming requires rapid reductions in greenhouse gas emissions," Burgess stated.
