Global temperatures shattered records in January 2025, despite the arrival of La Niña ocean conditions, which typically bring cooler temperatures. The planet as a whole had its warmest January on record, scientists said.
The warmth came as a surprise to climate researchers, occurring during La Niña conditions in the Pacific Ocean, which tend to lower the globe’s average temperature. However, Earth’s surface has been so warm for much of the past two years that scientists are examining alternative factors contributing to the boost in temperatures beyond what carbon emissions can explain.
Carbon emissions remain the main driver of global warming, reaching record levels in 2023 and 2024. La Niña conditions were expected to bring cooler temperatures this year, but instead, global temperatures continued their upward trend.
Several factors influence global temperatures, including changes in ocean currents and air pollution. A recent report by James Hansen suggests that reducing air pollution has played a significant role in accelerating global warming. The cooling effect of sulfate particles, which form clouds that shield the Earth from sunlight, has diminished as regulators have reduced sulfur dioxide emissions to protect human health.
The findings raise concerns about the U.N.’s approach to meeting its climate goals, which relies on societies reducing carbon emissions in the coming decades. Dr. Hansen argues that these goals are now “impossible” to achieve without a miracle solution.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/05/climate/earth-hottest-january.html