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Snapshot 1:Wed, Jun 5, 2024 7:21:59 PM GMT last edited by MattKalman

Earth Marks 12th Straight Month of Record Heat

Above: Istanbul experienced the hottest day in its history July 27, 2023. Thermometers showed 43.4 degrees. Image copyright: dia images/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

  • Scientists from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service (CCCS) on Wednesday announced that May 2024 was the twelfth straight month of record-warm global temperatures — the second-longest recorded streak, according to the service's data.

  • Previously, scientists in January announced that 2023 was the hottest year on record — but there wasn't record heat in all months of that year.


The Spin

World leaders must listen to the planet and do whatever it takes to stop this warming trend. Even though there are other issues — including geopolitical strife and multiple crucial elections — may be distracting the world, the fact that the Earth is regularly surpassing the pre-industrial average temperature has to stay in the forefront of everyone's minds to prevent an irreversible calamity.

Taking action — if any is necessary — will be easier once scientists are able to better discern what's causing these records to be broken. It's possible that it's just a blip caused by numerous factors or perhaps experts have misjudged what's been causing global warming for years. Regardless, more research is necessary before major steps are taken.


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