2020 and 2016 are contendors for the podium of the hottest year in what is the hottest decade ever. According to different statistics there have been only slight differences between 2016 and 2020, thus both are claiming the title for the highest average global and ocean temperature ever measured.
Understanding California’s Wildfires And What Can Be Done About Them
All datasets again show that the planet is heating up due to human activities: burning fossil fuels, deforestation and human activities in general.
2020 will be defined by covid-19. However, it will also be remembered as the year in which climate catastrophes dominated every continent. From record fires in Australia and California to record number of hurricanes in the Caribbean and Asia, Arrctic sea ice its smallest yet, and droughts and floods ruling over developing nations in Africa and South East Asia.
It is safe to say that the climate crisis is drastically altering environments across the globe. Some scientists say 2020 was the precursor of what is yet to come.
“We are headed for a catastrophic temperature rise of 3-5C this century, making peace with nature is the defining task of the 21st century. It must be the top priority for everyone, everywhere.”—warned António Guterres, secretary general of the UN
