heat wave in maharashtra 2022: 2021 is not the hottest year; The World Meteorological Organization’s forecast raises concerns – world likely to set record for hottest year every year till 2026

M. Ta. Special Representative, Mumbai: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has said that 2021 was not the hottest year on record as it was the ninth hottest year on record in recent years. However, among the indicators of global climate change were rising levels of greenhouse gases, rising sea levels, warming of sea water and acidification of sea water. These factors have set new highs. This information has been given in the 2021 World Meteorological Report published by the World Meteorological Organization. The next five years will be the hottest, the report said.

The amount of greenhouse gases was highest in 2020. Carbon dioxide levels were 149 percent higher than before the Industrial Revolution. According to the information available in certain places, this number has increased steadily between 2021 and early 2022. Carbon dioxide levels in Maunaloa, Hawaii were 416.45 mg per liter of water (ppm) in April 2020, 419.05 in April 2021 and 420.23 ppm in April 2022. The highest sea temperature was recorded. Water up to 200 meters above sea level will be warm in 2021. This water is expected to be just as hot in the future.

Available data show that seawater temperatures have been steadily rising for the past two decades. The oceans absorb 23% of the carbon dioxide produced by human activity. As a result, seawater becomes acidic. This poses a threat to marine biodiversity. This lowers the pH level of the sea water. According to the IPCC report, the sea level pH level was the lowest in 26,000 years. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says the level is falling further. Sea levels are rising as ice melts faster, posing a major threat to coastal residents. Also, it is likely to increase tropical cyclones.

Long-term detrimental effects on the ecosystem

Changes in land, sea and climate due to human intervention are having detrimental and long term effects on sustainable development and ecosystems. The 2021 global meteorological report revealed that the last seven years have been record highs of heat, with 2021 not going to be the hottest month since 2021. This only helped to reduce the heat temporarily. However, the World Meteorological Organization has noted that 2021 was 1.11 degrees Celsius warmer than before the Industrial Revolution.