The planet has just recorded its hottest day in history, as global temperatures soared to unprecedented levels on Sunday, according to provisional data released by the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service. The new global record surpasses the previous high set just a year ago, underscoring the accelerating pace of climate change.
The record heat has coincided with extreme wildfire risks across much of the Mediterranean, where rising temperatures and prolonged dry conditions are fueling fears of uncontrollable blazes this summer.
“We’ve now experienced 12 consecutive months at or above a critical climate threshold,” said a Copernicus spokesperson, referring to the 1.5°C warming limit agreed upon in the Paris Agreement.
- New Global Record: Highest average temperature ever recorded on Earth
- Date of Record: Sunday (Exact date to be confirmed in final analysis)
- Wildfire Threat: Mediterranean on high alert amid extreme heat and dry conditions
- Climate Goal Breached: Global temperatures have hit or exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for 12 consecutive months
- Extreme Weather Impact: Surge in floods, droughts, wildfires, and heatwaves
Scientists warn that without drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the planet will continue to face increasingly frequent and intense climate disasters. The current trends point to a narrowing window to meet international climate goals and safeguard vulnerable ecosystems and populations.
Global leaders are under mounting pressure to scale up climate action ahead of the upcoming UN Climate Summit (COP30), with record-breaking temperatures serving as a stark reminder of the urgent need for environmental responsibility and resilience-building measures.
