Scientists Alarmed by Unprecedented Global Heat Surge

Scientists are investigating the causes behind the unprecedented record heat of 2023, which has continued into 2024, raising concerns about the accelerating climate crisis. While human-induced global warming and an El Niño event are major factors, other potential contributors include reduced cloud cover, decreased sulfate aerosols from shipping pollution cuts, the Hunga Tonga volcanic eruption, and less Saharan dust. The situation suggests a possible climate feedback mechanism not yet understood, with 2024 likely to be the hottest year on record, surpassing the 1.5C threshold above pre-industrial levels.