From Winifred Bosa , Lagos.

With the new records in indicators of human-caused climate change, as well as loss of Artic sea ice , the United Nations weather agency has reported that 2016 is the hottest year on record, surpassing the exceptionally high temperatures of 2015.

With globally averaged temperature in 2016 being about 1.1 degree Celsius , it is higher than the pre-industrial period, disclosed a consolidated analysis by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

“2016 was an extreme year for the global climate and stands out as the hottest year on record,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas, stressing that “temperatures only tell part of the story.”

In a news release by UN , he emphasises that “long-term indicators of human-caused climate change reached new heights in 2016, as carbon dioxide and methane concentrations surged to new records,” adding that carbon dioxide, as well as methane concentrations contribute to climate change.

Carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for thousands of years, trapping heat and causing the earth to warm further. The lifespan of carbon dioxide in the oceans is even longer. It is also the single most important greenhouse gas emitted by human activities. According to the WMO, carbon dioxide is responsible for 85 per cent of the warming effect on the Earth’s climate over the past decade.

Rising temperatures and concentrations of major greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are not the only record-breaking indicators of climate change, also Arctic sea ice remains at very low levels.

“We have also broken sea ice minimum records in the Arctic and Antarctic,” Mr. Taalas noted.

“Greenland glacier melt – one of the contributors to sea level rise – started early and fast. Arctic sea ice was the lowest on record both at the start of the melt season in March and at the height of the normal refreezing period in October and November,” he explained.

Based on WMO consolidated analyses Mr. Taalas also concludes that the “Arctic is warming twice as fast the global average,” and adds “the persistent loss of sea ice is driving weather, climate and ocean circulation patterns in other parts of the world.”

Extreme weather causing huge socio-economic disruption and losses
Throughout 2016, there were many extreme weather events which caused huge socio-economic disruption and losses.

“The one degree change means that the amount of disasters related to weather and hydrology have been increasing,” said Mr Taalas , adding that “it will have a negative impact on the economies of the countries, and it will also impact the lives and wellbeing of all humans.”