El Niño and Global Warming: Impact of Record-Breaking Heatwaves on Ecosystems and Climate Change

 The planet has recently experienced its warmest week ever recorded, following a record-breaking June. Unprecedented sea surface temperatures and the lowest Antarctic sea ice extent ever reported were observed last month. The United Nations warns that these severe heatwaves could have disastrous effects on ecosystems and the environment.

Reasons behind Record-Breaking Heat

Experts attribute the extraordinary heat in June and early July to the onset of El Niño, as previously predicted. This phenomenon is likely to amplify terrestrial and oceanic heat, resulting in elevated temperatures and extreme heatwaves. This explains why we've just observed the warmest week in history. Sea surface temperatures worldwide are on the rise, reaching unprecedented highs in May and June. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) underlines the impact of this trend on fisheries distribution and ocean circulation, which subsequently affects the climate.

Extreme temperatures in the North Atlantic are of particular concern. This region frequently experiences severe weather events like hurricanes and tropical cyclones. As the Atlantic warms, the probability of such events escalates. Furthermore, the North Atlantic's sea surface temperature influences rainfall in West Africa, potentially causing excessive rainfall or extreme drought.

Record-Breaking Warmth

Christopher Hewitt, Director of Climate Services at the World Meteorological Organization, communicates the uncertainty of our climate's future:

"We are in uncharted territory and we can anticipate that more records will be broken as El Niño continues to develop, with these impacts potentially extending into 2024."

This distressing prediction for our planet is corroborated by preliminary analysis based on Japan's reanalysis data, known as JRA-3Q. According to this data, the average global temperature recorded on July 7 was 17.24°C, 0.3 degrees higher than the previous record of 16.94°C recorded on August 16, 2016, during a potent El Niño episode. Although the Japanese reanalysis data still awaits confirmation, it aligns with preliminary data from the European Earth Observation Satellite Service's ERA5 dataset. These findings suggest an escalating trend in global warming, necessitating an urgent, steadfast response to address the ongoing climate crisis.

Impacts on human health

Not only do record temperatures have consequences for the environment, but they also have impacts on human health. Extreme heat can lead to a range of problems, including heat stroke, dehydration, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. A study conducted by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health and the French National Institute of Health estimated that in 2022 there were 61,672 deaths attributable to heat in Europe. The summer of 2022 was characterized by unrelenting heat and an unprecedented series of heat waves, droughts and forest fires.

This study highlights the need to seriously address climate change and take effective measures to mitigate its effects. It is essential to implement adaptation policies and improve urban planning to create green and shady spaces. A key goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote clean energy sources to help reverse the trend of global warming.

Hottest week ever: the situation in Italy

In Italy, the record heat wave is putting the country at risk. On Sunday, July 9, thermometers reached highs of 35-36°C in the north and 40°C in inland areas of Sardinia and Sicily. Forecasts indicate that temperatures will rise further in the coming week, with highs of 47-48°C in Sardinia and 45°C in Sicily. This heat wave could become one of the most intense ever experienced in Italy. Forest fires and risk to people's health are the order of the day. This hottest week on record is a wake-up call that requires an urgent and comprehensive response. Swift action is needed to adopt sustainable policies to preserve our planet for future generations. Only through collective efforts can we mitigate the effects of climate change and protect the global environment and ecosystems.

Throughout the summer of 2022, Italy topped the list of countries with the highest number of deaths attributable to heat. An estimated 18,010 people lost their lives due to extreme temperatures. If we take into consideration the heat-related death rate, Italy is confirmed in first place, with 295 deaths per million inhabitants. The European average stands at 114 deaths per million inhabitants.