By Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
September 30, 2023
2023 is set to break worldwide temperature level records, highlighted by António Guterres term “global boiling.” Professor Qingxiang Lis research utilizing the CMST 2.0 dataset underscores the urgency of addressing the growing environment crisis.
International temperature levels are reaching alarming records, with 2023 expected to be the most popular year to date.
The environment crisis is reaching extraordinary levels of urgency as global temperature levels skyrocket to record-breaking heights, with July 2023 marking another alarming turning point. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres declared it a “catastrophe for the entire planet,” emphasizing that the age of “worldwide warming” has paved the way to a period of “international boiling.”
This disconcerting evaluation is supported by current findings from Professor Qingxiang Lis group at the School of Atmospheric Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, based on the China worldwide Merged Surface Temperature dataset 2.0 (CMST 2.0). Prof. Li is also a distinguished research fellow at the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Extraordinary Monthly Highs Since May
Professor Qingxiang Lis team examined the CMST 2.0 dataset and found that 2023 has already experienced the 3rd hottest very first half-year given that records started, narrowly routing behind the warmest year in 2016 and the second warmest in 2020. The worldwide mean sea surface area temperature levels (SSTs) rose to an all-time high in April, while worldwide mean land surface air temperatures did the same by reaching their second-highest regular monthly level in June. This mix led to May being crowned the hottest month ever taped for worldwide mean surface area temperatures.
International mean surface temperature level anomalies for the entire year/first half of the year based upon the CMST 2.0 (The blue line represents the GMST in the first half of the year, the gray bar represents the annual GMST (the dark gray column describes the typical predicted temperature level in 2023 in the past 5 years), the black line represents the GMST, and the red line represents the local mean ST in China). Credit: Qingxiang Li
The research study even more exposes that worldwide surface temperatures continue to rise into the second half of 2023, driven by aspects consisting of El Niño and prevalent wildfires. Both global mean SSTs and global mean land surface area air temperatures reached extraordinary highs for July, shattering previous records. Given the present trajectory and short-term forecast results of El Niño, in addition to the exceptionally favorable phase of the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), which highly influences international surface area temperature levels, 2023 is on track to end up being the hottest year on record. Moreover, 2024 may witness even higher global surface temperatures.
The research study was released as a News&& Views post on September 19 beforehand in Atmospheric Sciences.
The CMST 2.0 Dataset– A Global Benchmark
The CMST 2.0 dataset, established by Professor Li Qingxiangs team, stands as the most detailed worldwide surface area temperature criteria dataset to date. It includes data from China, filling a vital space in global temperature tracking. The dataset integrates over a centurys worth of international land surface air temperature information and incorporates state-of-the-art research study from across the globe, leading to an indispensable resource for climate scientists and policymakers. In 2022, the dataset was expanded to consist of Arctic surface temperature level information, improving its global protection.
Accessible to both the general public and the scientific neighborhood, the CMST 2.0 dataset is freely readily available on the Global Climate Change Observation and Modeling Data Platform.
Observatory with Macao Meteorological and Geophysics Bureau. Credit: Qingxiang Li
Understanding the Complex Factors Behind Global Warming
While human activities, consisting of greenhouse gas emissions, are the main motorists of long-term global warming, short-term variations are affected by internal environment system modifications such as El Niño and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). As international warming accelerates, the possibility of severe weather occasions and disasters increases, demanding immediate action.
Worldwide warming also has profound local impacts, manifesting in extreme temperature changes. For example, in East Asia, blood circulation abnormalities like the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) have actually led to regular severe cold occasions in winter, offsetting the overall increase in typical temperature levels. However, the rise in summer season maximum temperature levels and the decline in winter season minimum temperatures lead to bigger variations in extreme temperature levels.
The rate of human discomfort due to rapid temperature level increases, especially in low-latitude regions, is a growing concern that demands our attention. The CMST 2.0 dataset and Professor Qingxiang Lis groups research underscore the urgency of resolving the environment crisis.
Reference: “Record-breaking High-temperature Outlook for 2023: An Assessment Based on the China Global Merged Temperature (CMST) Dataset” by Zichen Li, Qingxiang Li and Tianyi Chen, 19 September 2023, Advances in Atmospheric Sciences.DOI: 10.1007/ s00376-023-3200-9.
The global mean sea surface temperature levels (SSTs) rose to an all-time high in April, while international mean land surface area air temperature levels followed fit by reaching their second-highest monthly level in June. Both global mean SSTs and worldwide mean land surface area air temperatures reached unprecedented highs for July, shattering previous records. The CMST 2.0 dataset, established by Professor Li Qingxiangs team, stands as the most thorough worldwide surface temperature level criteria dataset to date. The dataset incorporates over a centurys worth of international land surface area air temperature level data and incorporates advanced research from throughout the globe, resulting in a vital resource for environment scientists and policymakers. In 2022, the dataset was broadened to consist of Arctic surface temperature data, boosting its global coverage.