On October 1st, 2024, Palm Springs overturned the record of 116 degrees Fahrenheit set on October 2nd, 1980, with a record of 117 degrees. This breaks the record for the highest temperature ever recorded in October. Also, according to the National Weather Service, there was a record-breaking temperature in Indio. This heat continued for two days after the record; even the weekend after, temperatures were 110 degrees. 

What does this mean for the world as far as climate change is concerned? 

In other news, 2024 is on track to be the hottest year on record as surface warming hits 1.5 C. 

What is happening in the world right now? 

According to an analysis of six international datasets used by WMO, the January – September 2024 global mean surface air temperature was 1.54 °C (with a margin of uncertainty of ±0.13°C) above the pre-industrial average, boosted by a warming El Niño event.

Fossil fuels have also increased to an all-time high. We are stepping into an unpredictable future. For half a century, global warming has been correctly predicted even before it was observed—not only by independent academic scientists but also by fossil fuel companies. Despite all these warnings, we are still moving in the wrong direction. There’s been a loss of ice from glaciers, rising sea levels, and the acceleration of ocean heat. 

September 2024

September 2024 was the second warmest September record for the globe in NOAA’s 175-year record. The September global surface temperature was 1.24 degrees C above the 20th-century average of 15 C. So, even before October, we saw record-breaking temperatures and overall highs. 

What do we do from here? 

Knowing this information, there are a few things you can do to make your mark on this urgent conflict. First, installing solar panels can change your home’s energy source. This can reduce your footprint up to 1 ton less per year. The most massive part of Climate change is changing fossil fuels. We can replace coal, oil, and gas with renewable and efficient energy sources. As technology improves, we can expect improvements with this ability to save fossil fuels. To meet the goal of reducing global carbon emissions, we must act faster. If we don’t mitigate 45 percent below 2010 levels before 2030, we may enter the worst and deadliest impacts of climate change. 

Here are ten things you can do about climate change. 

1. Urge the government to start petitions to take action 
2. Use energy wisely; not only are you helping the earth, but you are saving money
3. Take a bike or public transit, or even carpool 
4. Use less, waste less, and get more out of it. 
5. Support Climate action led by those with ecological knowledge
6. Invest in renewable energy, drive away from fossil fuels
7. Eat organic and local food
8. Talk about it: speaking up is the best thing possible 
9. Work with local government leaders 
10. Get politically active and VOTE 

Save the Earth!