By: Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti
Researchers at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) located in New York have verified that July of 2023 stood out as the warmest month in the historical global temperature record, with indications pointing towards human-related activities as the probable cause. The data reveals that July 2023 surpassed all other instances in NASA’s historical record, recording a temperature increase of 0.43 degrees Fahrenheit (0.24 degrees Celsius) compared to any previous July. Furthermore, it exhibited a temperature rise of 2.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.18 degrees Celsius) compared to the average July temperature from 1951 to 1980.
The primary concentration of the GISS assessment revolves around the assessment of temperature shifts over extended periods spanning decades and centuries.
Bill Nelson, the Administrator of NASA, commented, “Nasa data verifies the palpable experience of billions worldwide: the temperatures in July 2023 have designated it as the hottest month on record. The evidence is unequivocal. We must take immediate measures to safeguard our communities and our planet, as it remains our sole habitat.”
Distinct regions such as South America, North Africa, North America, and the Antarctic Peninsula noted temperature elevations around 7.2 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius) beyond the established average. Overall, the intense heat during this summer subjected tens of millions of individuals to heat advisories, and these conditions were linked to numerous heat-related illnesses and fatalities.
This groundbreaking July occurrence aligns with an ongoing extended tendency of human-induced warming primarily attributed to emissions of greenhouse gases, which has been discernible over the course of the past four decades.
Based on NASA’s data, the five hottest July months since the year 1880 have all transpired within the last five years.
Katherine Calvin, the Chief Scientist and Senior Climate Advisor at NASA Headquarters in Washington, stated, “The global transformation of climate is impacting both human societies and ecosystems worldwide, and we anticipate that numerous repercussions will amplify with the persistent rise in temperatures. Our agency diligently monitors climate alteration, its effects, and the catalysts behind it, such as greenhouse gas emissions, and we are unswervingly committed to delivering this critical information to aid in future planning.”