2023 on Track to Be Earth's Warmest Year: September Shatters Temperature Records

The year 2023 is on track to become the warmest year ever recorded on Earth after breaking September temperature records. A UN report warns that the world is running out of time to reverse the deadly effects of climate change. According to the World Meteorological Organization, September 2023 experienced the hottest temperatures on record, both on land and in the sea. The average surface temperature for September was 61.48°F (16.38°C), surpassing the previous record set in 2020 by 0.9°F (0.5°C). The entire month was approximately 3.15°F (1.75°C) warmer than the September average during the pre-industrial era. Ocean temperatures also continue to set records, with September's sea surface temperature outside the polar regions being the warmest ever recorded for that month. The ongoing warming trend is of great concern, with the development of a warming El Nino event expected to extend these record-breaking temperatures, leading to cascading impacts on the environment and society. The report also highlights the urgency of ambitious climate action as the world approaches the COP28 Climate Conference. Additionally, the report notes that sea ice in Antarctica and the Arctic remains at record-low levels, further underscoring the effects of climate change.