The Copernicus Climate Change Service, affiliated with the European Union, has announced that the hottest day ever recorded worldwide was Sunday, July 21, 2024. This record-breaking temperature is a result of climate change, making the effects of global warming more evident.
Climate Change and the Hottest Days
As is well known, climate change causes an increase in the Earth's average temperatures due to the rise in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) are released into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities. These gases cause global warming by trapping the sun's energy in the atmosphere for longer periods.
Sustainability and Climate Change
Sustainability is of great importance in mitigating the effects of climate change. Sustainability refers to the careful and efficient use of natural resources to meet the needs of current and future generations. Energy efficiency, the use of renewable energy sources, preventing deforestation, and reducing carbon emissions are the main elements of sustainability.
Below is a graph showing the changes in global average surface temperatures over the years and a table containing temperature data.
Global Average Surface Temperatures by Year (1880-2020)
This table shows how global average surface temperatures have changed from 1880 to 2020. It is observed that temperatures have increased rapidly, especially since the 1980s.
In this sense, climate change is causing record temperatures worldwide. Sustainability measures are crucial to mitigating these adverse effects and creating a more livable world in the future. Reducing the use of fossil fuels, adopting renewable energy sources, and preventing deforestation are essential steps for a sustainable future.