Third consecutive day of record-breaking heat

The global average temperature has reached a new high for the third time in a week, according to unofficial records. The temperature is driven by human-induced climate change and the El Niño Southern Oscillation, which occurs every three to seven years. The El Niño Southern Oscillation is the most powerful fluctuation in the climate system anywhere on Earth. The last time the record was broken was in August 2016. Experts warn that many societies have not yet adapted to more extreme heat and its impacts on people and the environment. The temperature readings come from a tool called Climate Reanalyzer, which uses a combination of surface, air balloon, satellite observations, and computer modeling to assess average global temperatures. The US weather service NOAA cannot confirm records partly from computer simulations, but it recognizes that we are in a warm period due to climate change. Scientists warn that the record is uncommonly hot and it is likely to continue to be broken this summer. The UK experienced record-high June temperatures, causing unprecedented fish deaths and threats to insect survival. The European Environment Agency warned that southern Europe could see more than 60 days this summer when conditions are dangerous for humans. Higher-than-average heat affects crops and raises the risk of wildfires. Sea temperatures have also been detected, with a marine heatwave in the UK and Ireland. Governments worldwide are committed to reducing their carbon emissions to reach net zero, where humans stop adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.