January 2025 Heat Record
January 2025 set a new global heat record, being 0.09°C hotter than January 2024, the previous warmest January.
The month was 1.75°C warmer than pre-industrial times, marking the 18th out of the last 19 months to surpass 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Global Warming Acceleration
A new study by climate scientist James Hansen and others claims global warming is accelerating, with temperatures rising at double the rate of the previous 40 years.
This claim has sparked debate among scientists, with some agreeing and others questioning the data and suggesting it's within expected climate model predictions.
Contributions to Temperature Rise
The primary driver of global warming is the increase in greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.
Despite the cooling effects expected from La Nina (a natural cooling cycle in the Pacific), the temperature rise continues, suggesting warming is outpacing natural climate cycles.
El Nino and La Nina
El Nino, which warms the central Pacific, typically raises global temperatures
La Nina, its cooler counterpart, usually dampens warming.
Despite La Nina's onset in January 2025, some experts predict 2025 could surpass 2024’s heat record due to accelerating warming trends.
Impact of Reduced Pollution
Recent regulations on shipping have reduced sulphur pollution, which previously reflected sunlight and had a cooling effect on the planet.
This reduction could contribute to further warming in the coming years.
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