liberation.fr
January 2025: Warmest Month on Record
January 2025 was the warmest month ever recorded globally, exceeding the previous record by 0.8°C above the 1991-2020 average, defying expectations of a temperature decrease due to La Niña and highlighting the accelerating effects of climate change.
- What is the significance of January 2025 setting a new record for the warmest month ever recorded?
- January 2025 was the warmest January on record, exceeding the previous record set in January 2024 by 0.8°C above the 1991-2020 average. This continues a trend of record-breaking temperatures since 2023, defying expectations of cooling due to the La Niña weather pattern.
- How do the observed temperatures in January 2025 compare to predictions considering the La Niña effect?
- The record-high temperatures in January 2025, despite the presence of La Niña, highlight the accelerating effects of climate change. The unusually warm ocean surface temperatures, particularly in the eastern Pacific, suggest a weakening or cessation of La Niña's development, which normally has a cooling effect. This indicates a stronger underlying warming trend.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of this trend of record-breaking temperatures, especially considering the unexpected lack of a La Niña cooling effect?
- The unexpectedly high temperatures of January 2025, even with La Niña, signal a concerning acceleration in global warming. This challenges previous climate models and underscores the urgent need for stronger mitigation efforts. The continued warming despite a La Niña event suggests that the climate system may be more sensitive to greenhouse gas emissions than previously thought, which may lead to more frequent and intense heat waves in the coming years.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the severity of the record heat, using strong words like "bouillante" (boiling) and highlighting the unprecedented nature of the temperatures. While factually accurate, this emphasis could be perceived as alarmist by some readers. The headline and introduction immediately establish the record-breaking nature of the heat, setting a tone of urgency.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly neutral, using precise figures and scientific terminology. However, words like "bouillante" (boiling) and phrases emphasizing the "inquiétante" (worrying) trend inject a degree of emotional charge into the reporting. While conveying the urgency, this could also be considered potentially alarmist.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses on the record-breaking temperatures but omits discussion of potential contributing factors beyond climate change, such as volcanic activity or short-term weather patterns. While acknowledging La Niña's potential influence, a more comprehensive analysis of other factors would strengthen the piece. The article also omits discussion of the socio-economic impact of these record temperatures.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article reports that January 2025 was the warmest January on record, continuing a trend of record-high temperatures since 2023. This directly reflects negatively on climate action goals by demonstrating a continued increase in global temperatures despite efforts to mitigate climate change. The mention of unusually warm ocean temperatures and low Arctic sea ice extent further supports this negative impact.