The Earth's "vital signs" are at record extremes and endangering life on the planet, according to new research from a global team of climate scientists.
The paper, , found that 20 of the 35 planetary vital signs the researchers use to monitor potential drivers of climate change are at the highest levels recorded in human history.
They include things such as , ocean temperatures, fossil fuel subsidies, human population, and meat production.
Before 2000, global daily mean temperatures had never exceeded 1.5C above pre-industrial levels — the lower end of the international global warming target set out in
But in the first nine months of 2023, there were 38 days that exceeded that threshold — — with the potential for that number to increase during the southern hemisphere's summer.
The northern hemisphere's 2023 summer was, by a significant margin, the warmest on record globally.
"The statistical trends show deeply alarming patterns of climate-related variables and disasters," he said.
The planet is venturing into "uncharted climate territory", increasing the likelihood of natural disasters becoming more frequent, the scientists warned.
"Without actions that address the root problem of humanity taking more from the Earth than it can safely give, we're on our way to the potential partial collapse of natural and socioeconomic systems and a world with unbearable heat and shortages of food and fresh water," Ripple said.
