“Earth: Smoldering Under Record-Breaking Heat!

It appears as though time may have finally caught up with us. According to a new report released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the past 12 months have been the hottest in at least 125,000 years. The report indicates that the average global temperature for 2019 was 58.93 degrees Fahrenheit. The 2015-2019 period was significantly warmer than the previous five-year period of 2014-2018, which had an average temperature of 58.51 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the largest jump in temperature we’ve seen in recorded history. The effects of this increased temperature are becoming increasingly clear, and we’re already beginning to feel the effects of a changing climate. Extreme weather events have become commonplace, from devastating wildfires in California to historic floods in Oklahoma. We’re seeing record-setting heat waves, extended droughts, and seemingly endless hurricane seasons. This report serves as a reminder that our choices have consequences. Climate change is an issue that needs to be addressed with greater urgency in order for us to maintain a safe and prosperous society. While individual actions are important, there has to be a systemic focus on transitioning our energy sources to renewable, clean power sources. We cannot keep relying on fossil fuels and continue to ignore the warnings from scientists. We have to act now to prevent further catastrophe. This means implementing policies that incentivize businesses to make the switch to new, cleaner sources of energy, and holding them accountable when they miss their targets. It is essential for all of us to be working together to make sure we put an end to climate change. We cannot keep walking down this path, putting our planet and its inhabitants at risk. The report released by NOAA is a sobering reminder that we need to act now to save our planet. This is our future—our choice, our responsibility.