Paris, October 12
Sea surface temperatures in a key monitoring region of the Pacific Ocean reached an all-time high in September due to a powerful El Niño, the European Union’s climate monitoring service has reported. Scientists have warned that global temperatures could set a new record in 2027.
According to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, sea surface temperatures in the Niño 3.4 region reached 29.70 degrees Celsius. This was higher than temperatures recorded during the powerful El Niño events of 1982–1983, 1997–1998 and 2015–2016. However, Copernicus said it was not possible to conclude that the current El Niño was the strongest on record, as climate change has already raised ocean temperatures.
The global average sea surface temperature reached 21.05 degrees Celsius in September, while the global average surface air temperature stood at 16.27 degrees Celsius, 1.63 degrees above the pre-industrial average.
Carlo Buontempo, director of Copernicus, said the powerful El Niño could keep monthly temperatures above 1.5 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels through 2027.
Scientists have stressed that reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels is crucial to limiting global warming.
El Niño is the warming phase of a natural climate cycle. It raises Pacific Ocean surface temperatures and alters global wind and rainfall patterns, potentially increasing the risk of droughts and floods in various regions. It typically occurs every two to seven years and lasts nine to 12 months.
— RSS/AFP
