New Delhi: July 2023 is making history as the potential hottest month in the world for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, says NASA climatologist Gavin Schmidt. The intensity of the heat is evident, as daily records have already been shattered.

Meanwhile, the European Union and the University of Maine are combining ground and satellite data to create preliminary estimates, confirming the trend of extreme heat sweeping across the globe. US agencies are likely to report similar findings in their comprehensive monthly reports.

Is El Nino behind extreme weather conditions? 

“We are seeing unprecedented changes all over the world — the heat waves that we’re seeing in the US in Europe and in China are demolishing records, left, right and center,” Schmidt emphasized during a recent NASA briefing.

While some may attribute the extreme conditions to the El Nino weather pattern, Schmidt cautions that this is only a small part of the picture. He points to the overall increase in warmth worldwide, particularly in the oceans. Sea surface temperatures have been breaking records for several months, even beyond the tropics. The primary driver behind these alarming changes is the continuous release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Is 2023 becoming the hottest year?

The implications of the current situation extend beyond 2023. Schmidt’s calculations give a “50-50 chance” of 2023 becoming the hottest year on record, though other experts predict an even higher likelihood, up to 80 percent. Moreover, the outlook for 2024 is even more concerning. An El Nino event is building, and it is expected to peak towards the end of that year, potentially making 2024 an even warmer year.

As these dire warnings unfold, the world is grappling with unprecedented fires and facing health risks due to the extreme conditions. The urgency for climate action has never been more apparent, with temperature records being shattered on a regular basis. It is imperative for global efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and address the escalating climate crisis.