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Chronology of Events and Consequences – One Green Planet

A Decade of Climate Change: Major Events, Findings, and Weather Anomalies from 2012-2023

Climate change is a pressing issue that has been making headlines for the past decade. From melting ice caps to record-breaking temperatures, the impacts of global warming are becoming increasingly evident. In this blog post, we take a look back at the major events, findings, and weather anomalies related to climate change over the past 10 years.

In 2012, Arctic sea ice reached its lowest extent on record, highlighting the rapid decline in ice cover and its implications for global climate patterns. The following year, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere exceeded 400 parts per million for the first time in recorded history, underscoring the rapid increase in greenhouse gas levels due to human activities.

The release of the IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report in 2014 confirmed that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, have been the dominant cause of global warming. The report projected severe and irreversible impacts if significant emissions reductions were not implemented.

In 2015, the Paris Agreement was adopted by 196 countries, aiming to limit global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius and pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Despite this milestone, 2016 was recorded as the hottest year on record globally, surpassing previous records set in 2015.

The 2017 hurricane season was one of the most active on record, with powerful hurricanes fueled by warmer ocean temperatures and increased moisture in the atmosphere. In 2018, a special report from the IPCC highlighted the impacts of global warming of 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, emphasizing the need for urgent and ambitious actions.

In 2019, Europe experienced record-breaking heatwaves, highlighting the devastating effects of extreme temperatures on human health, agriculture, and ecosystems. Despite temporary reductions in emissions due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, greenhouse gas concentrations continued to rise, reaching new record highs.

In 2021, global sea levels reached record highs, with the United Nations World Meteorological Organization reporting record-setting rates of sea level rise, greenhouse gases, ocean heat, and ocean acidification. In 2022, despite the signing of the Kumming-Montreal Agreement, each month ranked in the top ten highest average temperatures, underscoring the continuing effects of global warming.

Finally, in 2023, the Earth experienced its hottest year on record, surpassing even the record set in 2016. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, preserve natural spaces, and address the impacts of climate change.

As we reflect on the past decade of climate change, it is clear that immediate and ambitious action is needed to mitigate the effects of global warming and safeguard our planet for future generations. By working together and prioritizing sustainable practices, we can forge a path towards a more resilient and sustainable future.

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