The World Meteorological Organization announced Monday that 2016 is on track to break the record for the hottest year since the 19th century.
"Another year. Another record. The high temperatures we saw in 2015 are set to be beaten in 2016," WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas said in a statement. "Because of climate change, the occurrence and impact of extreme events has risen. 'Once in a generation' heatwaves and flooding are becoming more regular. Sea level rise has increased exposure to storm surges associated with tropical cyclones."
"The extra heat from the powerful El Nino event has disappeared. The heat from global warming will continue," he continued.
The average global temperature this year was 2.2 degrees Fahrenheit higher than pre-industrial levels. Unless the temperature dips dramatically at the end of the year, 16 of 17 hottest recorded years will have occurred in the 21st century.
The Paris Climate Agreement set a limit on keeping the global temperature from rising more than 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100.
"The Paris Agreement came into force in record time and with record global commitment. The World Meteorological Organization will support the translation of the Paris Agreement into action," Taalas added.
"WMO is working to improve monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions to help countries reduce them," he continued.
"Better climate predictions over timescales of weeks to decades will help key sectors like agriculture, water management, health and energy plan for and adapt to the future.
"More impact-based weather forecasts and early warning systems will save lives both now and in the years ahead. There is a great need to strengthen the disaster early warning and climate service capabilities of especially developing countries. This is a powerful way to adapt to climate change."
According to a recent The Guardian, President-elect Donald Trump is planning to withdraw from the Paris agreement as quickly as possible.
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