Every month since June 2023 has surpassed its 'hottest ever' record

(Patria) - Europe's climate monitor said on Tuesday that March was the hottest on record and the tenth consecutive month of historic heat, with sea surface temperatures also reaching a "shocking" new high.

This is the latest red flag in a year already marked by climate extremes and rising greenhouse gas emissions, prompting new calls for faster action to limit global warming.

Every month since June 2023 has surpassed its "hottest ever" record - and March 2024 was no exception.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) said March was globally 1.68 degrees Celsius warmer than the average March between 1850 and 1900, the reference period for the pre-industrial era.

The March record was broken by only 0.1C, but the broader trend is what is more alarming, said Samantha Burgess, deputy director of C3S.

Vast parts of the planet endured above-average temperatures in March, from parts of Africa to Greenland, South America and Antarctica.

Not only was it the tenth consecutive month to break its heat record, but it was also the hottest 12-month period on record - 1.58C above the pre-industrial average.