Greece has officially recorded its hottest July ever, according to preliminary data from the national observatory. This alarming trend follows a record-breaking June, making it evident that the country is grappling with unprecedented heat waves. The average temperature from 1960 to 2024 has surged by 2.5°C, with the last four years witnessing the three hottest Julys in the past 80 years. July's temperatures surpassed the previous record set in 2012 by 0.3°C.
As a popular summer destination for tourists, Greece has had to implement partial closures of the Acropolis during peak heat hours, highlighting the severe impacts of climate change on cultural heritage sites. The country is also facing significant water shortages due to a combination of drought conditions and poor management practices.
The situation in Greece is not an isolated incident. On a global scale, July 22, 2024, was marked as the hottest day ever recorded since 1940, with a staggering global average temperature of 17.15°C, surpassing the previous day's record of 17.09°C. The European Union's Copernicus program reports that the last 12 months have seen the highest global average temperatures in history.
Scientists agree that climate change is exacerbating the frequency, duration, and intensity of extreme weather events, making it increasingly likely that temperature records will continue to be broken.
- The implications of these rising temperatures extend beyond immediate discomfort for residents and tourists alike. As Greece experiences prolonged heat waves, the strain on its natural resources, particularly water, has become a pressing concern. The government has been urged to address these issues through better management and sustainable practices to mitigate the effects of climate change. Moreover, the alarming trend of rising temperatures is mirrored globally, as highlighted by the unprecedented heat recorded in various regions. This calls for urgent action from policymakers and communities worldwide to combat climate change and protect vulnerable ecosystems.
