In July 2024, the global climate reached unprecedented temperatures, marking it as the second warmest month in recorded history with an average surface air temperature of 16.91 degrees Celsius. This figure is a significant 0.68 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average for July, and only slightly behind the record set in July 2023. The Copernicus Climate Change Service highlighted that this month concluded a remarkable 13-month streak where every month was the warmest on record for its respective month. Notably, July 22 and 23 were the warmest days recorded, with daily global average temperatures peaking at 17.16 degrees Celsius. Copernicus emphasized that the difference in temperature between these two days was minimal, making it challenging to determine which day was definitively warmer. This record-breaking heat is reminiscent of the 2015/2016 period during the last strong El Niño event. Furthermore, July 2024's temperatures were notably 1.48 degrees above the pre-industrial average from 1850-1900, ending a 12-month streak of temperatures surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius above this baseline.
In a remarkable achievement for Chilean sports, wrestler Yasmani Acosta has made history by securing a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Competing in the Greco-Roman wrestling 130-kilogram category, Acosta qualified for the finals after a series of challenging matches, ultimately defeating China's Lingzhe Meng. Acosta's journey to the final has been filled with strategic victories, including overcoming Bulgaria's Kiril Milov and Egypt's Mohamed Abdellatif. His final match will be against his longtime friend and rival, Mijaín López, a four-time Olympic champion. Acosta's journey to representing Chile is notable; he migrated from Cuba in pursuit of Olympic opportunities, as he was overshadowed by López in the Cuban wrestling circuit. This historic medal marks Acosta as Chile's 15th Olympic medalist and the third in combat sports, following notable boxers from the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. His achievement adds to Chile's Olympic success, which includes a gold medal recently won by shooter Francisca Crovetto.
- The record temperatures in July 2024 have raised concerns about the ongoing impacts of climate change, as scientists and environmentalists continue to advocate for urgent action to mitigate global warming effects. The Copernicus Climate Change Service's findings echo the warnings of climate experts about the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves globally, which are linked to human-induced climate change. As nations grapple with these challenges, the need for sustainable practices and policies becomes more pressing.
- Yasmani Acosta's journey to the Olympics is a testament to resilience and determination. Having faced numerous challenges, including fierce competition and the need to adapt to a new country, Acosta's story resonates with many athletes striving for success on the international stage. His dedication to the sport and commitment to representing Chile has not only earned him accolades but also inspired future generations of athletes in the country.
