Instant Insight
30-Second Take
- November 2024 ranks as second-hottest November in recorded history
- 2024 now virtually certain to become Earth’s warmest year on record
- Global temperatures exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for 16 of past 17 months
+ Dive Deeper
Quick Brief
2-Minute Digest
Essential Context
November’s near-record temperatures have pushed 2024 to the brink of becoming Earth’s hottest year since measurements began. The European Union’s climate monitoring service confirms temperatures are consistently breaking historical records, with implications for global climate policy and action.
Core Players
- Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) – EU’s premier climate monitoring agency
- Samantha Burgess – Deputy Director, C3S
- World Meteorological Organization – UN weather agency
- Global scientific community tracking temperature records
Key Numbers
- 14.10°C – Global average temperature for November 2024
- 0.73°C – Above 1991-2020 average for November
- 1.62°C – Above pre-industrial levels in November
- 0.72°C – Year-to-date temperature increase above recent average
Full Depth
The Catalyst
November 2024’s exceptional warmth follows a pattern of unprecedented global temperatures throughout the year. This persistent heat has made 2024’s record-breaking status almost inevitable.
Inside Forces
Human-caused climate change continues driving temperature increases. The warming effect is amplified by El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean.
Power Dynamics
Climate scientists and monitoring agencies are increasingly unified in their warnings about accelerating global warming. Their findings put pressure on world leaders to strengthen climate action.
Outside Impact
Rising temperatures are triggering more extreme weather events worldwide. Arctic and Antarctic sea ice remain significantly below historical averages, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems.
Future Forces
Scientists project continued temperature increases unless dramatic emissions reductions occur. The 1.5°C threshold from the Paris Agreement is being regularly exceeded, suggesting a need for more aggressive climate policies.
Data Points
- 16 of 17 months – Consecutive period above 1.5°C threshold
- 9% – Below-average Arctic sea ice extent
- 10% – Below-average Antarctic sea ice extent
- 20.58°C – Average sea surface temperature (60°S-60°N)
- 0.14°C – Increase over previous record year (2023)
