Biden’s chance to tackle climate change is fading amid global energy upheaval
Washington PostOct 19, 2021
Report: Earth Marks 12th Straight Month of Record Heat
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Above: Istanbul, Turkey experienced the hottest day in its history on July 27, 2023. Image copyright: dia images/Contributor/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
Scientists from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service (CCCS) on Wednesday announced that May 2024 was the twelfth straight month of record-warm global temperatures — the second-longest similar recorded streak, according to the service's data.
Previously, scientists in January announced that 2023 was the hottest calendar year on record — but record heat wasn't notched in all 12 months of that year.
The Spin
Narrative A
World leaders must listen to the planet and do whatever it takes to stop this warming trend. Even though there are other issues — including geopolitical strife and multiple crucial elections — distracting the world, the fact that the Earth is regularly surpassing the pre-industrial average temperature has to stay at the forefront. This is vital to preventing an irreversible calamity.
Narrative B
Taking action — if any is necessary — will be easier once scientists are able to better discern what's causing these records to be broken. It's possible that it's just a blip caused by numerous factors, such as El Niño, or perhaps experts have misjudged what's been causing global warming for years. Regardless, more research is necessary before major and alarmist steps are taken.
