The Earth set another heat record in November
Image: EU/ESA
The Earth continued its record pace of warming last month, per a new assessment from the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, registering both the hottest November since data collection began in 1940 and the sixth monthly heat record in a row.
By the numbers: The assessment found global air temperatures averaged 57.6°F last month, which is 0.6°F warmer compared to the previous November and 3.2°F warmer compared to pre-industrial times (tied with this past October for the highest on record).
Scientists say there are two driving forces behind the six straight record hottest months: human-caused climate change from the burning of fossil fuels, and the naturally occurring El Niño global warming event that takes place every 2-7 years.
- Overall, Copernicus scientists calculated this year has been 2.6°F warmer than pre-industrial times, or ~0.3°F higher than the previous warmest year in 2016.
- That figure is also just shy of the 2.7°F limit set in the 2015 Paris Agreement as the threshold for which countries should aim to limit global warming to avoid severe consequences, such as the runaway melting of ice sheets or the Amazon rainforest drying out.
📸 Big picture: A separate UN report published last month found Earth is currently on track to reach a peak of between 4.9°F and 5.2°F above pre-industrial levels by 2100, based on emissions commitments from countries around the world and the actions they’ve taken thus far.
- China, the world’s biggest greenhouse gas-emitter, is responsible for 27+% of global emissions, while the US sits at 11%, India makes up 7%, and all 27 EU nations combined account for 6%.
đź“Š Flash poll: Do you think the US government is doing too much, too little, or about the right amount when it comes to climate change?
See a 360° view of what media pundits are saying →
Sprinkles from the Left
- Some commentators argue that the news isn’t entirely doom and gloom when it comes to climate change, as countries around the world have made significant progress since the 2015 Paris Agreement and are closer to fully adopting the climate fight.
- Others contend that the reality is the Earth will never limit warming to below 1.5°C compared to preindustrial times, so every country should create adaptation plans to lessen the future harms caused by weather-related perils.
- “Looking for hope on the climate? Here’s where to start.” –WaPo Editorial Board
- “Climate change isn’t just about emissions. We’re ignoring a huge part of the fight” –David G. Victor and Veerabhadran Ramanathan, LA Times
- “Climate change: What more will it take to act?” –Le Monde Editorial Board
Sprinkles from the Right
- Some commentators argue that green energy projects should refrain from moving too fast and decreasing the resilience of America’s energy industry, which has the potential to leave millions of residents cold as well as jobless.
- Others contend that there’s still a question regarding whether or how much of the Earth’s recent temperature increase is due to emissions of CO2, and scientists shouldn’t heap backlash upon their peers who ask this question.
- “Net Zero: New York’s Near Miss (For Now)” –Andrew Stuttaford, National Review
- “The Earth Is Warming, but Is CO2 the Cause?” –Holman W. Jenkins Jr., WSJ
- “Not every climate advocate is qualified to pontificate about the science” –Washington Times Editorial Board
Share this!
Recent Discussion stories
Discussion
  | December 6, 2023American schools just received their pandemic report card
đź“ť American students suffered learning losses during the pandemic, but the negative effects were less severe compared to other developed nations, per new data.
Discussion
  | December 4, 2023The Supreme Court is examining culpability for America’s opioid crisis
⚖️💊 The Supreme Court is set to hear arguments over an ~$8.3B settlement involving Purdue Pharma, whose pain med OxyContin played a key role in the US opioid epidemic.
Discussion
  | December 1, 2023The SEC’s future is in the Supreme Court’s hands
⚖️ This week, the Supreme Court heard arguments in a three-part case challenging the constitutionality of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
You've made it this far...
Let's make our relationship official, no 💍 or elaborate proposal required. Learn and stay entertained, for free.👇
All of our news is 100% free and you can unsubscribe anytime; the quiz takes ~10 seconds to complete