Recent measurements indicate that Monday, July 22, marked the hottest day on Earth within the last 120,000 years, according to data from the European Climate Monitoring Service Copernicus. The finding comes after careful analysis of the first waves of satellite data from Copernicus, which show a global temperature that is unprecedented in the long-term climate record. On that Monday, the world was about 0.06 degrees Celsius warmer than the previous record set on Sunday, July 21, and the global average for the week began at a striking 17.15 degrees Celsius.
The Copernicus Climate Change Service has maintained a continuous temperature record since 1940. Scientists estimate that the 120,000-year temperature context is based on a combination of modern instrumental records and paleo climate reconstructions. These reconstructions rely on natural archives such as tree rings and ice cores to extend the climate history beyond direct measurements. By looking at these records, researchers can infer how temperatures have fluctuated over tens of millennia, providing a framework for today’s observations.
A central finding across climate science is the strong influence of human activities on recent warming. Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are recognized as a major driver of climate change, and experts emphasize that the pace of recent temperature increases would be unlikely to occur without the contribution from burning fossil fuels. Emissions from transportation, industry, energy production, and other sectors release carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping substances into the atmosphere, enhancing the greenhouse effect and altering global climate patterns.
Scientists also highlight the role of energy systems and policy choices in shaping weather extremes. While natural variability plays a part in year to year fluctuations, the sustained rise in average temperatures over decades is closely linked to human influence. The ongoing accumulation of heat in the climate system is a reminder of the stakes involved in reducing emissions and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
In summary, the latest evidence from Copernicus supports the conclusion that the planet has reached an extraordinary warmth level within the context of the last 120,000 years. The finding is supported by a convergence of modern satellite data and long-running climate reconstructions. It underscores the importance of continued monitoring, research, and policy action to address the drivers of climate change and to understand the implications for weather, ecosystems, and human societies.