"Earth’s Climate Shatters Heat Records. These 5 Charts Show How."

"Amid what’s destined to be the Earth’s warmest year on record, multiple climate data points have catapulted to stunning extremes.

Temperature records have not only been broken but also surpassed previous high marks by unparalleled margins over the land and sea. The excess heat has contributed to sharply declining levels of ice near the poles and a historic fire season in Canada.

These climate change indicators have entered uncharted territory both because of long-term warming driven by human activities and a boost from a powerful El Niño event — or warming of ocean waters in the tropical Pacific that sends heat into the atmosphere worldwide."

Ian Livingston reports for the Washington Post October 24, 2023.