2020 was hottest year ever in Europe

(EurActiv, 8 Jan 2021) 2020 was the warmest year recorded in Europe, breaking the previous 2019 record by 0.4°C, according Copernicus, the EU’s satellite earth observation system. Globally, the year tied with 2016 as the hottest on record.

Highlighting a consistent trend since the past decade, 2020 was also the sixth consecutive year to be the hottest on record. Worryingly, this occurred in a “La Nina” year, where climate conditions are usually cooler.

2016, which tied with 2020 for being the hottest year, was an “El Nino” year, where climate conditions would naturally be hotter, alongside man-made warming.

“We are in an era of sustained record breaking years. This is no longer breaking news, but a human crisis,” said Dr. Marshall Shepherd, Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor of Atmospheric Sciences and Geography.

The analysis of global temperatures is performed regularly by scientific institutions, like NASA and Berkeley Earth. Because of small discrepancies between them, it is possible 2020 was not hotter than 2016, but it confirms the overall trend.

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EurActiv, 8 Jan 2021: 2020 was hottest year ever in Europe