The European Union‘s Copernicus Climate Change Service has confirmed that 2023 was the Earth’s hottest year on record.
The average global temperature has risen by 1.48°C, surpassing the previous record in 2016 and the 1991-2020 average by 0.6°C.
Climate Council Research Director Dr Bradshaw said the 2023 heat record is alarmingly high, with projections suggesting even higher temperatures in 2024.
“The Copernicus summary reveals just how much hotter and more dangerous today’s climate is than the relatively cooler and more stable climate in which human societies developed,” Dr Bradshaw stated.
“We’re seeing how much more extreme our climate becomes as we approach the 1.5°C warming threshold. This is why we must limit future warming as much as possible by getting our emissions down fast by rapidly phasing out the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. We can’t keep stocking the fire if we want the room to cool down.”
In 2023, extreme heatwaves, wildfires, and record-breaking sea surface temperatures were experienced in southern Europe, North America, China, Canada, and Hawaii, along with low sea ice extent around Antarctica.
According to the Climate Council, Australia experienced a mix of weather events, including deadly floods, storms, and bushfires, despite not experiencing large areas registering record temperatures.
Major General Peter Dunn, member of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action and former Commissioner for the ACT’s Emergency Services Authority, said extreme heatwaves in the future intensify fires, making them hotter and more challenging to control. He noted that they also strain emergency services’ capabilities, making it impossible to combat all fires on severe days, putting first responders at risk. He stated that the sheer number of fires makes it difficult to control them.
“Not everyone has the luxury of a safe, cool home during these extreme conditions. Communities must be prepared with facilities like cool refuges and accessible community halls, ensuring everyone’s safety during extreme heat and in preparation for the fire season,” he added.
“The impact of climate change on our communities is immediate and devastating. The urgency to stop relying on fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas, which only worsen this crisis, has never been greater. The time has come for Australia to decisively move away from these harmful pollutants.”
