Sunday recorded the highest global average temperature in history, intensifying concerns about climate change as Greece and Spain brace for severe fire risks amid an ongoing heatwave.
The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Agency reported this unprecedented heat, which surpasses the previous record set just a year ago.
For 12 consecutive months, global average temperatures have consistently hit or exceeded critical climate thresholds, underscoring the challenge of keeping global warming below the 1.5°C target set by international agreements.
The Mediterranean region is particularly affected, with southern Europe experiencing temperatures above 40°C. In Greece, this extreme heat has heightened the threat of wildfires, with 33 fires reported in a 24-hour period up to Monday evening. The capital, Athens, and southern regions remain on high alert. While a slight cooling is expected this week, temperatures are still projected to exceed 39°C in some mainland areas on Tuesday.
Spain is also at extreme fire risk, with temperatures in the south expected to reach 43°C in cities like Seville and Cordoba. Southern France and Italy face similar threats.
The heatwave extends to Northern Europe as well, with Berlin and Paris expecting unusually high temperatures in early August. Berlin's average temperature on August 6 is forecasted to reach 28°C, which is 8°C above the 30-year average.
This extreme heat is already causing significant disruptions globally, affecting air travel and power grids. The Copernicus report indicates that the average temperature for the year up to June 2024 was 1.64°C higher than the period from 1850 to 1900. June 2024 was the warmest June on record, marking the 13th consecutive month of record-breaking average temperatures.
The 2015 Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to less than 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with an ideal target of 1.5°C.
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