2023 ushers in the Era of “Global Boiling”

The Secretary-General’s speech ignited widespread interest in the term “global boiling,” which he used to convey the severity of the climate situation.

In a poignant address at the UN headquarters in New York, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, issued a powerful warning about the dire impacts of climate change, emphasizing that the world is witnessing just the beginning of a terrifying crisis. He painted a stark picture of the devastating consequences, including children swept away by monsoon rains, families fleeing wildfires, and workers succumbing to scorching heat.

Guterres revealed alarming data indicating that July had already experienced the hottest three-week period ever recorded, with the three hottest days and the highest-ever ocean temperatures for this time of year. These unprecedented extremes paint a grim reality of the escalating climate crisis.

The Secretary-General’s speech ignited widespread interest in the term “global boiling,” which he used to convey the severity of the climate situation. Although the scientific community remains divided on the precise use of the term “global boiling,” some experts believe it could be relevant in highlighting the urgency of climate action.

Piers Forster, a renowned professor of climate physics at the University of Leeds, acknowledged Guterres’ intent to garner attention from governments and spur climate action. However, he cautioned that some of the language used in the speech might deviate from underlying scientific evidence and, over time, may desensitize the public to the gravity of the situation. Nonetheless, Forster asserted that the changes unfolding are consistent with climate predictions made two decades ago.

This isn’t the first time the United Nations has introduced evocative terms to convey the severity of the climate crisis. In 2021, Guterres coined the phrase “code red for humanity” to underscore the unprecedented territory humans had pushed the climate into.

Sonia I. Seneviratne, a professor of land-climate dynamics at ETH Zurich, praised previous terms like “code red for humanity” for successfully emphasizing the urgency of climate action. However, she expressed concern that we may soon run out of superlatives like “global boiling” to convey the criticality of the current climate crisis. The main challenge, she emphasized, is not merely linguistic but rather the need for a widespread realization of the emergency.

Suraje Dessai, a professor of climate change adaptation at Leeds University, agreed that diverse communication strategies are essential to instill urgency in the public. He suggested that “global boiling” could be relevant in specific regions where both temperatures and humidity surge, leading to life-threatening conditions. However, Dessai also emphasized that some predicted events such as heatwaves, have been anticipated for years.

All three experts concur that a combination of individual and government actions is crucial to tackle the climate crisis effectively. Dessai stressed the necessity for countries worldwide to prepare for changing climates, such as heatwaves, sea-level rise, droughts, and floods, by investing in resilient infrastructures.

Seneviratne pointed out that the ability of individuals to reduce emissions varies geographically. While lifestyle changes can impact carbon footprints in certain areas, large-scale emission reductions will require global-level changes in laws and infrastructures.

Forster emphasized the importance of educating individuals and communities about climate change and the actions they can take to mitigate its effects. He emphasized that while some of the events witnessed in July may be attributed to climate change, others are also a result of bad luck. Nevertheless, projections indicate that such extreme conditions could become the norm in the coming decade, necessitating proactive preparation.

Guterres’ speech served as a wake-up call for world leaders and individuals alike, urging immediate and concerted efforts to combat the growing climate crisis. The global community must heed this urgent call to protect our planet and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Amidst the growing urgency, Guterres’ call to action is a stark reminder that the time for complacency is over. The effects of climate change are no longer distant threats but harsh realities affecting communities worldwide. As extreme weather events become more frequent and intense, the need for urgent action becomes undeniable.

While the use of phrases like “global boiling” may evoke strong emotions and attention, some scientists caution that the language must align closely with scientific evidence to maintain credibility. As climate change continues to unfold, the challenge lies in striking a delicate balance between raising awareness and presenting accurate information.