GLOBAL WARMING HAS ACCELERATED: ARE THE UNITED NATIONS AND THE PUBLIC WELL-INFORMED?

Global temperatures surged by over 0.4°C in the past two years, peaking at +1.6°C above early 20th-century averages, largely due to a weak El Niño and significantly reduced aerosol emissions from ships, which are essential for cooling the Earth. This warming trend is expected to persist even as the climate enters a cooler La Niña phase, leading to more frequent and severe climate extremes, including intensified storms and droughts. The melting of polar ice and its impact on ocean currents, particularly the potential shutdown of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) within 20-30 years, poses significant long-term threats, including substantial sea-level rise. To address these concerns effectively, a new approach that emphasizes ongoing observations and paleoclimate data is needed to better understand and mitigate the impending impacts of climate change on future generations.