On Wednesday, the head of the United Nations weather and climate agency urged a global "red alert" due to rising temperatures, following another record-breaking August in terms of global heat indices. Preliminary data from the EU's climate monitor, obtained by AFP, indicates that the world experienced record average temperatures in August for the second consecutive year. Australia, Japan, parts of China, and Norway all recorded their hottest August ever, according to respective meteorological agencies.
"It's evident that temperatures are escalating... beyond our preferred levels," stated Celeste Saulo, the leader of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). "This is due to insufficient action." Although the exact average global temperature for August 2024 remains uncertain, the EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) has confirmed it will surpass the previous record of 16.82° Celsius (62.28 Fahrenheit) set in August of the previous year.
Saulo remarked, "Thresholds are continually being surpassed," during a speech in Singapore at a regional climate forum attended by local meteorological services. Saulo also advocated for enhanced monitoring and support for meteorological agencies, emphasizing the need for additional resources. This forum took place shortly after the WMO issued its latest assessment on the effects of climate change in Asia and the Pacific, highlighting above-average sea-level rises in numerous regions.
Moreover, the record-setting August marks a nearly unbroken 15-month period where each month has set new temperature records for its respective time of year, according to the C3S. The climate forum also designated Singapore as a regional hub for monitoring pollution from vegetation fires and smoke. This facility, one of only two globally, aims to provide improved information on fires and pollution forecasts, addressing a gap in regional data, according to officials.
