Physical Address
23,24,25 & 26, 2nd Floor, Software Technology Park India, Opp: Garware Stadium,MIDC, Chikalthana, Aurangabad, Maharashtra – 431001 India
By Aayushi Sharma
In a notable shift from a record-setting trend, July 2024 saw a slight dip in average global temperatures compared to the same month in 2023, as announced by the European climate agency Copernicus. This break from a 13-month streak of record heat was largely attributed to the waning influence of the El Niño climate pattern, which had been driving extreme temperatures across the globe.
Despite July 2024’s average temperature of 62.4 degrees Fahrenheit (16.91 degrees Celsius) being just short of surpassing the previous year’s record, it remains significantly higher than the 30-year average for the month. This July is still the second-warmest recorded month ever, narrowly trailing behind July 2023. In fact, the Earth experienced its two hottest days on record during this month, with temperatures peaking at 62.9 degrees Fahrenheit (17.16 degrees Celsius) on July 22 and 23.
The impact of this record-breaking heat is evident worldwide. In Cape Town, South Africa, severe weather events—including torrential rain, gale-force winds, and flooding—displaced thousands of residents. Indonesia’s Sulawesi island suffered a fatal landslide, while Hurricane Beryl became the earliest Category 4 hurricane on record, causing widespread destruction. Additionally, Tokyo faced unprecedented heat, leading to over 120 fatalities.
South Asia’s Heatwaves and the Influence of a Weakening El Niño
In recent months, millions of people across South Asia, including India and Pakistan, have faced unprecedented heatwaves, enduring some of the most extreme temperatures in recent history. The heatwave, which swept across the region in April and May, brought severe conditions that affected daily life, agriculture, and public health.
The Role of El Niño
This extreme heat occurred in the context of a prevailing yet weakening El Niño, a climate phenomenon known for its significant impact on global weather patterns. El Niño typically leads to warmer-than-average temperatures in many parts of the world, including South Asia. This year, the phenomenon intensified the heatwave conditions, pushing temperatures to alarming levels.
However, the El Niño has shown signs of weakening, which could bring some relief. The transition from El Niño to neutral conditions or a possible La Niña could lead to a shift in weather patterns, potentially bringing cooler temperatures or increased rainfall to the region. Despite this, the damage has already been done, with millions enduring weeks of oppressive heat.
Impact on Agriculture and Public Health
The prolonged heat wave has had devastating effects on agriculture in South Asia, particularly in India and Pakistan, where farming is a major source of livelihood. The intense heat has stressed crops, reduced yields, and increased the need for irrigation, exacerbating water scarcity in already drought-prone areas.
Public health has also been severely impacted. The extreme temperatures have led to a surge in heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke and dehydration. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk. Hospitals in major cities have reported a significant increase in cases, putting additional strain on healthcare systems already stretched thin by the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Bigger Picture: Climate Change and Future Risks
While the immediate cause of this year’s heatwave can be linked to the weakening El Niño, the broader context is undeniable: climate change is making extreme weather events more frequent and intense. The increasing global temperatures, driven by human activities, are setting the stage for more severe heat waves, not just in South Asia but worldwide.
In South Asia, where large populations live in densely populated cities with limited access to cooling and healthcare, the impacts of climate change are particularly dire. The region is highly vulnerable to the effects of global warming, with rising temperatures threatening food security, water availability, and overall public health.
Even with the temporary reduction in global temperatures due to the end of El Niño, the underlying trend of increasing warmth continues unabated. According to Copernicus, July 2024 was 1.48 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than pre-industrial times, nearing the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold set by the Paris Agreement of 2015.
While El Niño’s influence on global temperatures has diminished, La Niña conditions—typically associated with natural cooling—are not expected until later in the year. This temporary cooling phase does little to counteract the long-term warming trend induced by human activities.
As the world adjusts to these fluctuating patterns, the need for sustained climate action remains urgent. The end of the record heat streak does not signal a reduction in the risks associated with climate change but underscores the continued necessity for comprehensive and global efforts to mitigate its impacts.
References:
El Niño Roars on: Global Temperatures Poised for New Highs in 2024
Photo by Eclipse https://www.pexels.com/photo/tall-wave-crashing-down-at-sunset-25324404/
Banner image:
Photo by Oleksandr P: https://www.pexels.com/photo/orange-safety-ring-on-man-shoulder-near-body-of-water-319930/
