The global temperature in April 2024 soared to unprecedented heights, marking the warmest April on record and continuing an alarming trend of record-high temperatures for the 11th consecutive month, according to data released by the European Union's climate agency Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).
The average global temperature for April reached 15.03 degrees Celsius, surpassing the previous record set in April 2016 by 0.14 degrees Celsius. This warming trend is attributed to a combination of the weakening El Nino phenomenon and human-induced climate change.
While El Nino peaked earlier in the year and is now returning to neutral conditions, the long-term effects of greenhouse gas emissions continue to drive global temperatures upward, according to Carlo Buontempo, Director of C3S.
The past 12 months, spanning from May 2023 to April 2024, have also seen record-breaking temperatures, with the global average temperature reaching 0.73 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average and a staggering 1.61 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial baseline of 1850-1900.
This persistent warming trend poses significant challenges in meeting the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels to mitigate the worst impacts of climate change.
The consequences of this warming are already evident, with increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events such as droughts, wildfires, and floods observed worldwide.
Moreover, a recent study by scientists at Germany's Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research projects substantial economic costs associated with climate-related events, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change.
Looking ahead, there is anticipation that 2024 may set a new temperature record, as El Nino's influence on global climate typically peaks in its second year of development. Despite El Nino weakening towards neutral conditions, marine air temperatures remained unusually high in April, exacerbating weather extremes around the world.
In addition to record-high temperatures, April 2024 also saw the 13th consecutive month of record-high ocean temperatures, further highlighting the widespread impacts of climate change.
As global weather agencies anticipate the transition to La Nina conditions by August-September, which typically brings increased rainfall in regions like India during the monsoon season, the challenge of addressing climate change and mitigating its impacts remains paramount.
