France Experiences Second-Hottest Year in 2023 Amidst Climate Accord Failure
France faced scorching temperatures in 2023, marking it as the country’s second-hottest year since the beginning of the 20th century, according to Meteo-France, the national weather office. With an average temperature of 14.4 degrees Celsius, just slightly below the record-breaking heat of the previous year at 14.5 degrees Celsius, France continues to grapple with the effects of climate change.
These alarming temperature increases coincide with the failure of the 2015 Paris climate accord. The accord aimed to limit global warming to well below two degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with an ideal target of 1.5 degrees Celsius. However, the United Nations weather and climate agency reports that 2023 already exceeded the 1.4 degrees Celsius mark above the pre-industrial baseline, as of October.
Professor Saulo, the newly appointed secretary general of the United Nations weather and climate agency, emphasized the urgent need to address climate change and its disproportionate impact on vulnerable communities. Coming from the Global South herself, Saulo expressed her commitment to prioritizing the needs of the most vulnerable populations affected by climate change.
One of Saulo’s goals is to enhance weather and climate science for the benefit of society. This includes strengthening weather observations, utilizing artificial intelligence advancements, and expanding early warning systems to protect people worldwide. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), responsible for monitoring climate-related indicators, collaborates with national weather agencies to gather data on greenhouse gases, sea levels, temperature rises, and glacier melting.
To mitigate the impacts of climate change, the WMO focuses on research and monitoring for better adaptation strategies. Their priority is to establish global early warning systems by the end of 2027 to safeguard populations from weather and climate-related hazards. Additionally, WMO member nations have agreed to establish the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch system, intending to continuously monitor greenhouse gases’ sources, whether natural or human-induced.
The alarming temperature trends and extreme weather events witnessed in recent years highlight the urgent need for concerted global action to combat climate change. The world must come together to address the growing threat and protect our planet for future generations.
