Climate Wrapped: Top 10 Terms That Capture the Climate in 2023- In the annals of climate history, 2023 stands as a year of extraordinary milestones and transformative trends. From scorching temperatures termed “global boiling” to the emergence of naturally occurring “white hydrogen,” the year unfolded as a tapestry of environmental shifts. This comprehensive news article delves into the key themes that defined 2023, spanning climate records, societal responses, and innovative solutions.
Unveiling 2023’s Climate Chronicles: From “Global Boiling” to “White Hydrogen,” a Year of Transformations Unprecedented Climate Events and Emerging Trends Shape the Environmental Landscape
The year 2023 has left an indelible mark on our climate records, surpassing expectations and rewriting the norms. In this article, we delve into the top 10 terms that encapsulate the unprecedented climatic events of 2023.
1. Earth’s Unprecedented Heat
In the annals of climate history, 2023 is a year of extremes, with temperatures reaching levels not experienced for over 125,000 years. The scorching heat waves in early July shattered daily heat records, culminating in the hottest week and summer ever recorded. Climate scientist Zeke Hausfather aptly described it as “absolutely gobsmackingly bananas.”
2. The Year of Fire and Smoke
For North America, 2023 unfolded as a year dominated by fire and smoke. Canada witnessed an alarming surge in wildfires, scorching 45.7 million acres—more than 2.5 times the previous record. The ensuing thick haze blanketed cities in the eastern U.S., making June 7 the worst day for pollution from wildfire smoke in American history.
3. Global Boiling: A More Worrisome Global Warming
António Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, introduced the term “global boiling” to emphasize the severity of climate change. This phrase signifies an era more alarming than global warming, capturing the urgency of addressing environmental challenges.
4. Climate Conversation Words of the Year
As language adapts to environmental shifts, dictionaries select words reflecting a modern-day preoccupation with authenticity. “Heat dome” and “dystopian” emerged as contenders, highlighting the societal impact of climate change.
5. Notable Words in the Climate Conversation
Our list of the top 10 terms includes “AQI” (Air Quality Index), which gained prominence as wildfires in Canada affected air quality across the United States. The AQI became a crucial metric for assessing the danger of breathing air filled with fine particles from wildfires.
6. Carbon Insetting: Reducing Emissions within Supply Chains
Companies are shifting from traditional carbon offsetting to carbon insetting—reducing emissions within their supply chains. Nestlé, PepsiCo, and Apple are corporations adopting this approach to combat climate change directly.
7. Climate Quitters: Taking a Stand for the Environment
A new trend, “climate quitters,” emerged as individuals left their jobs full-time to work on climate change. This movement reflects growing discontent with the lack of large-scale climate action, creating a powerful form of lobbying and influencing corporate values.
8. Deinfluencers: Pushing Back Against Reckless Consumption
Deinfluencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram advocate against reckless consumption, discouraging followers from purchasing trendy but environmentally harmful products. This trend highlights the need to address the environmental impact of influencer-driven consumerism.
9. El Niño’s Impact on 2023’s Heat
The return of El Niño, a global weather pattern characterized by warmer-than-average temperatures, contributed to 2023’s record-breaking heat. El Niño steamed coral reefs off Florida, fueled the spread of diseases, and set the stage for even hotter global temperatures in the coming years.
10. White Hydrogen: A Clean Energy Source
Scientific discoveries of underground reserves of “white hydrogen” challenge previous assumptions. This naturally occurring hydrogen, found underground, could provide a clean energy source on a large scale, offering an alternative to traditional hydrogen production methods.
Conclusion
The climatic events of 2023 have reshaped our understanding of environmental challenges. The emergence of new terms reflects the urgency and complexity of addressing climate change. As we navigate the consequences of an unprecedented year, it is imperative to embrace sustainable practices and advocate for a greener future.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Q: How does “global boiling” differ from “global warming”?
- A: “Global boiling” is a more alarming term introduced by the UN Secretary-General, emphasizing the urgency and severity of climate change beyond the traditional concept of global warming.
- Q: What is the significance of “climate quitters” in the workplace?
- A: “Climate quitters” represent individuals leaving their jobs to work on climate change full-time, signaling a growing desire for impactful climate action and influencing corporate values.
- Q: How does “white hydrogen” contribute to clean energy?
- A: White hydrogen, a naturally occurring underground hydrogen reserve, offers a clean energy source, challenging traditional hydrogen production methods and providing a potential solution for various industries.
- Q: What role does “carbon insetting” play in corporate sustainability?
- A: Carbon insetting involves companies reducing emissions within their supply chains, offering a direct approach to combat climate change. Companies like Nestlé, PepsiCo, and Apple are adopting this strategy.
- Q: How are “Deinfluencers” influencing consumer behavior on social media platforms?
- A: Deinfluencers on platforms like TikTok and Instagram discourage reckless consumption by advising against purchasing trendy but environmentally harmful products, contributing to a more sustainable consumer mindset.