The era of global warming has ended, and the era of global boiling has arrived, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Thursday.
"Short of a mini-Ice Age over the next few days, July 2023 will shatter records across the board," Guterres said in a statement. "We are in the midst of a climate emergency."
Guterres's warning comes as temperatures around the world continue to soar. July is on track to be the hottest month ever recorded, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
The past three weeks have been the hottest since records began, and temperatures in many parts of the world are well above average. In the United States, for example, temperatures have been up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit above average in some places.
The extreme heat is having a devastating impact on people and the environment. In India, for example, more than 1,000 people have died in recent weeks due to the heat. And in Europe, wildfires have been raging in several countries, destroying homes and businesses.
Guterres said that the extreme heat is a clear sign that climate change is already having a devastating impact on the planet. He called on governments to take urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.
"We must act now to avert the worst effects of climate change," Guterres said. "The future of our planet depends on it."
Here are some of the alarming effects of global boiling:
- Rising sea levels, which are threatening coastal communities around the world.
- More extreme weather events, such as heat waves, droughts, floods, and wildfires.
- The spread of diseases, as warmer temperatures create more favorable conditions for pathogens.
- The extinction of species, as they are unable to adapt to the changing climate.
What can we do to stop global boiling?
There are a number of things that we can do to stop global boiling, including:
- Reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and switching to renewable energy sources.
- Improving energy efficiency in our homes and businesses.
- Planting trees, which help to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
- Supporting policies that promote climate action.
The future of our planet depends on our actions today. We must all do our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change. If we don't, the consequences will be catastrophic.
