The Canary Islands have experienced an unprecedented rise in temperatures, with January, February, April, and November of this year being the warmest since records began. For the first time, the archipelago is on the verge of exceeding an average annual temperature of 20°C, a threshold that demonstrates the mounting evidence of global warming.
Experts warn that even small increases in global temperatures could trigger dramatic shifts in climatic systems.
Record-Breaking Heat Across Decades
The Spanish Met Office reports that this year’s warm months follow a pattern observed in 2023, which saw record highs in March, August, and September. Over the last two years, seven out of twelve months have shattered previous temperature records in the Canary Islands.
Reliable meteorological data, collected since 1961, now reveal a clear upward trend, with 18 of the hottest years occurring in the 21st century alone.
Victor Quintero, AEMET’s spokesperson for the Canaries, explains that while 2024 might not surpass the heat levels of 2023, the progression of warming is undeniable. He highlights the frequency of extreme weather events, including tropical nights and record-breaking heatwaves, which are becoming the new normal for the islands.
Impact on the Environment and Economy
The warming trend is evident in both atmospheric and oceanic conditions. According to María Dolores Pérez, a researcher at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the surrounding sea temperatures have risen by nearly two degrees since 1984. This change is contributing to rising sea levels, threatening coastal areas, and causing erosion.
“We are losing beaches, experiencing fewer rainy days, and witnessing an atmosphere charged with energy, leading to more storms and extreme weather events,” she explains.
The broader implications are alarming for the Canary Islands, a fragile ecosystem vulnerable to even minor disruptions. Dust storms from nearby Africa are expected to intensify, and the economic ramifications of flooding and other disasters could be severe.
Global and Local Implications of Climate Change
The crisis in the Canary Islands mirrors global climate patterns. Data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service indicate that the world will exceed the 1.5-degree threshold above pre-industrial levels this year, as outlined in the Paris Agreement. While this breach may not yet constitute a permanent failure of the accord, the trend highlights the urgency of sustained efforts to mitigate climate change.
The Paris Agreement’s goal to limit temperature rise to within 1.5 degrees remains precariously close to being breached for a sustained period. Experts warn that any increase of one or two degrees could trigger abrupt and far-reaching disruptions to Earth's systems. For archipelagos like the Canary Islands, these changes are especially pronounced, bringing intensified storms, rising seas, and economic challenges.
A Call for Action
As the Canary Islands emit more early-warning alerts for climate risks than ever, the urgency to address climate change intensifies. While the region battles heatwaves and shifting weather patterns, the need for global cooperation and local adaptation measures is more pressing than ever. Policymakers, scientists, and citizens alike must act decisively to safeguard the islands’ unique environment and economy from the escalating threats of climate change.
The stakes are high, and the time to act is now.
