World records second warmest September as climate targets near

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 05:54 · Archive

September was the second-warmest on record globally, with temperatures exceeding the Paris climate agreement's 1.5C threshold for a second consecutive month.

September was the second-warmest September on record globally, with an average temperature of 16.27 degrees Celsius, EU climate service Copernicus reported. For western Europe it was the joint-warmest September recorded, while it was the third warmest for Europe as a whole, following an extreme summer heatwave.

September marked the second consecutive month this year when global temperatures exceeded 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. The data came as prolonged dry conditions resulted in record-low September river flows in parts of the Rhine, Danube, Vistula and Garonne-Dordogne. Low river levels caused disruptions to navigation, water supply and agriculture in several countries. Around Antarctica, the sea ice extent reached its third-lowest annual winter maximum.

Copernicus director Carlo Buontempo said that crossing the 1.5-degree limit targeted in the 2015 Paris climate agreement was 'only a matter of time'. He noted that 'exceptionally high temperatures' were experienced again across parts of Europe and that 'with a strong El Niño still intensifying it is likely to last into 2027'. However, Buontempo stated that 'how far we overshoot, and for how long, is still up to us'.

How it is being reported

• Crossing Paris climate target 'only a matter of time'After Europe sweltered through a record-breaking summer heatwave, the world has recorded its second warmest September on record.Perth Now · 12 Oct, 05:43
• Crossing Paris climate target 'only a matter of time'After Europe sweltered through a record-breaking summer heatwave, the world has recorded its second warmest September on record.The West Australian · 12 Oct, 05:43

In this story: Copernicus · Carlo Buontempo · Europe · Antarctica · Paris Agreement

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem