NASA, NOAA Climate Experts Discuss Record-Breaking Heat (Official News Briefing)

TL;DR

July 2023 was the hottest month on record, emphasizing the urgent need to address climate change.

Transcript

good morning I'm not suppressed secretary Jackie McGinnis and joining us today are leaders from both NASA and the national Oceanic and Atmospheric Association Noah we have NASA administrator Bill Nelson Kate Calvin NASA's Chief scientist and Senior climate advisor Gavin Schmidt director of NASA's Goddard Institute for space studies Carlos del Casti... Read More

Key Insights

• 🈷️ July 2023 was the warmest month on record globally, with temperatures exceeding any month since at least 1850.
• 🤢 Climate change is causing extreme weather events, sea level rise, and loss of biodiversity, impacting both ecosystems and human societies.
• 🫢 Greenhouse gas emissions from human activities are the primary cause of climate change.
• 💱 NASA and NOAA are actively collecting data and studying climate change to provide valuable insights for decision-makers and the public.

Questions & Answers

Q: Did climate change contribute to the wildfires in Hawaii?

While local factors also play a role, climate change acts as a threat multiplier for wildfires and increases the likelihood of their occurrence and intensity.

Q: Can you provide more information about the impact of climate change on coral reefs?

Rising temperatures and ocean acidification due to climate change are causing coral bleaching, the death of marine species, and the degradation and disappearance of coral reefs, which are crucial for marine ecosystems and coastal protection.

Q: How far back does reliable temperature data exist in the United States?

Temperature data in the United States goes back to the mid-19th century, providing a reliable long-term record for studying climate change.

Q: What is the main driver of climate change?

Greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide and methane, released by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation, are the main drivers of climate change.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• July 2023 recorded the highest temperatures ever, surpassing the previous record set in 2019.

• The Earth is experiencing extreme climate events such as record flooding, heatwaves, and wildfires.

• Both NASA and NOAA are actively studying climate change and providing crucial data for understanding and addressing the issue.