Earth’s Condition Is ‘Serious and Getting Worse’ as Climate Change Intensifies
A new climate assessment finds that Earth’s condition is worsening, with seven of 16 tracked planetary vital signs at their most extreme levels on record. Researchers say the findings matter because accelerating warming is raising the risks to ecosystems, while a strengthening El Niño could add further heat and drought.
Atmospheric carbon dioxide is 50 per cent above pre-industrial levels, ice sheets have reached record lows and ocean heat record highs. The pace of warming has risen from about 0.05°C per decade between 1880 and 1970 to 0.36°C per decade since 2010. El Niño could intensify coral bleaching and drought in the Amazon, which faces pressure from deforestation; the report says a tipping point is not imminent, but these stresses could move the forest closer to one. Renewable energy is growing, yet annual greenhouse gas emissions remain at record highs.
- Seven of 16 climate indicators are at record extremes.
- Warming has accelerated to 0.36°C per decade since 2010.
- El Niño could worsen heat and drought in vulnerable ecosystems.
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Scientists track several measures of Earth’s climate and natural systems, including carbon dioxide in the air, global temperatures, ice levels and ocean heat. These measures help show how human activities, especially burning fossil fuels and clearing forests, are changing the planet.
El Niño is a recurring climate pattern that warms parts of the Pacific and can affect weather around the world, sometimes bringing extra heat or drought. The Amazon rainforest is also under pressure from deforestation, and prolonged heat and drought can add strain to its ecosystems.
The changes matter because they can increase risks to wildlife, habitats and people. Renewable energy is expanding, but greenhouse gas emissions remain high, and researchers say the Amazon’s possible tipping point is not imminent.