Global warming exceeded the 1.5-degree Celsius mark for the first time last year. According to the report published on Friday by the EU's Copernicus climate change service, the Earth's average temperature was 1.6 degrees Celsius higher than in the years 1850 to 1900. Climate researchers are calling it a "warning signal".

Copernicus Director Carlo Buontempo described the development as incredible. Every month in 2024 was either the warmest or second warmest month since records began. At the same time, each of the last ten years (2015–2024) ranked among the ten warmest on record. Copernicus draws on a dataset from satellites, ships, aircraft, and weather stations around the world.

Last year's global average temperature was even 0.12 degrees above that of 2023, previously the warmest year on record. A new record for the hottest day was set on 22 July 2024, with a global temperature of 17.16 degrees. 2024 was also the warmest year ever recorded in Europe.

"Job not done"… Read more at orf.at