2022 FIFTH HOTTEST YEAR ON EARTH: STUDY

2022 FIFTH HOTTEST YEAR ON EARTH: STUDY

Context:

On 10 January 2022, the Copernicus Climate Change Service, a European Union initiative, found that 2021 was the fifth hottest year on Earth.

Important report findings:

• According to the report, the past seven years have been the warmest in history.
• 2021 is ranked fifth among those 12 months due to the continued growth of greenhouse gases.
• Scientists warn that greenhouse gases could further plunge the Earth into irreversible damage.

Temperature:

• The report found that global temperatures were between 1.1 to 1.2 degrees Celsius higher by 2021 than pre-industrial levels.
• Temperatures ranged from 2 to 2.2 degrees.
• Scientists note that temperatures above 1.5 degrees Celsius could lead to permanent damage to Earth and profoundly impact the environment.

Satellite data:

• The first satellite data showed carbon dioxide emissions continued to rise in 2021. Carbon dioxide emissions come from various sources, including fossil fuels.
• However, the rate of increase was slightly lower compared to recent years.
• Methane levels, the second-largest greenhouse gas, have also increased dramatically by 2021.