In September 2023, global temperatures reached levels never before recorded, leaving scientists and climate observers without clear answers to a phenomenon that challenges traditional predictive models. A climate map of the NASAshared recently, reveals the regions that suffered the most during this historically warm month. In some areas, such as Europe, East Asia and North America, temperatures were up to 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit (4°C) the average recorded between 1951 and 1980.
According to Gavin Schmidtdirector of NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS), September 2023 broke records by an “absolutely astonishing” margin of 0.5 degrees Celsius (0.9°F) compared to the previous warmest September, which occurred in 2020.
This drastic increase adds to a worrying trend: 2023 was the warmest year on recordy 2024 is on track to surpass that record. These figures underscore the impact of climate change, which is not only raising temperatures but also appears to alter global weather patterns.
The map also exposes a disturbing detail: warming is not distributed evenly. In some areas, temperatures are rising much faster than others, exacerbating challenges for local communities and governments trying to adapt to increasingly extreme weather. This panorama raises urgent questions about the future of our planet and the measures necessary to mitigate the impact of these thermal anomalies.
The NASA map highlights several regions where September 2023 temperatures were noticeably higher than historical averages. Among the most affected areas are:
- Central and Southern Europe: They experienced unusually high temperatures, which contributed to persistent droughts and prolonged heat waves.
- Asia Oriental: Several countries reported record temperatures, which affected both cities and rural areas dependent on agriculture.
- North America: The northern states of the United States and Canada were also among the regions with the largest temperature increases.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) reported that the global average temperature for September was 16,38°C (61,5°F)which represents an increase of 0,93°C compared to the 1991-2020 average. This data confirms that thermal anomalies are not isolated events, but rather part of a trend that intensifies over time.
Although scientific consensus points to climate change as the main driver of these extreme temperatures, the years 2023 and 2024 have presented a unique challenge. According to Schmidt, the increase in 2023 “was well above what was observed in other years, and we still do not know why.” Researchers are evaluating different factors to explain this phenomenon:
- Greenhouse gases: The accumulation of carbon dioxide and methane continues to be a primary cause of global warming. However, recent increases in these emissions are not enough to fully explain the increase recorded in 2023.
- The Child: This climate phenomenon, which warms the waters of the eastern Pacific, began in mid-2023. However, the observed warming was already manifesting months before its start, suggesting that it is not the only explanation.
- Hunga Tonga volcano eruption: Volcanic activity in January 2022 released large amounts of water vapor into the atmosphere, which may have contributed to warming, although its estimated impact is limited.
- Changes in atmospheric aerosols: Tighter regulations in the shipping industry since 2020 have reduced the emission of sulfur compounds, which have a cooling effect on the atmosphere. However, more information is needed to assess its impact.
The unexpected jump in global temperatures during 2023 and 2024 has highlighted the limitations of current climate models. According to a comment published in the magazine Naturethere is a discrepancy of 0,2°C between the observed and expected temperatures. This margin, although apparently small, is significant on a planetary scale.
The lack of real-time data and the need to improve monitoring networks are critical obstacles to understanding these changes. Initiatives like the mission PACE from NASA, launched in February 2024, seek to address this problem by providing more detailed information on the composition of aerosols in the atmosphere.
Rising temperatures in different parts of the world have profound implications for ecosystems, food security and public health. In the United States, for example, October 2024 was the second warmest month on record, with states such as Utah, Arizona and Texas reaching record temperatures. The loss of sea ice in Antarctica, equivalent to the size of Alaska, also underlines how quickly climate change is transforming the planet.
This moment marks a turning point. As pointed out Samantha Burgessdeputy director of C3S, “this should serve as a catalyst to increase ambition at the COP29 Climate Change Conference.” The challenge now is to translate this urgency into concrete actions to stop the impact of global warming and protect future generations.
The data presented by NASA not only illustrates the extent of global warming, but also highlights the need to act decisively. Faced with a phenomenon that puts the capacity for climate prediction in check, it is crucial to invest in science, improve models and work on global strategies that ensure a more sustainable future.
