Human-Induced Global Warming Increasing at Unprecedented Rate: Climate Scientists
Human-induced global warming is a pressing issue that has been escalating at an unprecedented rate, according to a recent pre-print paper by a group of climate scientists. The paper highlights that from 2014 to 2023, the rate of warming has been recorded at 0.26 degrees Celsius per decade, a figure that is alarming and demands immediate attention.
The report also emphasizes that the carbon budget compatible with limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius is rapidly diminishing due to ongoing high global CO2 emissions. This shrinking carbon budget poses a significant challenge in achieving the goals set by the Paris Agreement.
The instrumental record, which dates back to 1850, provides crucial data on temperature trends based on direct observations. The paper compares key climate indicators from the IPCC AR6 report in 2021 to the latest findings, showing a substantial increase in human-induced warming over the past decade.
In 2023, human-induced warming reached 1.31 degrees Celsius relative to pre-industrial levels, indicating a significant contribution from internal variability. The high rate of warming is attributed to record-high greenhouse gas emissions and reduced aerosol cooling, as outlined in the paper.
The authors of the paper, representing various institutions including the Priestley Centre at the University of Leeds and NASA, stress the urgent need for updated climate knowledge to inform evidence-based decision-making. They warn that the remaining carbon budget for the 1.5 degrees Celsius goal is rapidly depleting, necessitating immediate action to curb emissions.
The paper underscores the critical nature of the current decade, noting that global warming rates are at unprecedented levels and could lead to surpassing the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold within the next 10 years. The authors urge for a peak in greenhouse gas emissions followed by a substantial decline to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Climate scientist M Rajeevan echoes the concerns raised in the paper, emphasizing the need for accelerated climate action and a comprehensive roadmap to address the escalating crisis. The call to action is clear – urgent measures must be taken to combat human-induced global warming and safeguard the planet for future generations.
As we navigate through this critical period, it is essential for policymakers, scientists, and individuals alike to prioritize climate action and work towards sustainable solutions to mitigate the impacts of global warming. The time to act is now, and collective efforts are crucial in addressing this pressing global challenge.