Earth shattered heat records in 2023 and 2024: is global warming speeding up?
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-024-04242-z
Earth’s temperatures have hit alarming records in 2023 and 2024, surpassing 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levels. Scientists are investigating whether this is a short-term anomaly or a sign of accelerated global warming. El Niño and reduced air pollution played roles, but they don’t fully explain the surge. A key factor could be fewer low-lying clouds, which both reflect sunlight and cool the planet. Some researchers warn this might signal a feedback loop where warming reduces clouds, causing more warming. If true, the effects—extreme weather, food insecurity, and migration—could arrive sooner than expected.