January 2025 has made history. This month has become the hottest January month ever. Global temperatures were recorded 1.75°C higher than pre-industrial levels during this period — and this is also surprising because this heat has been recorded despite a climate phenomenon like La Niña, which usually lowers the temperature of the Earth.
◆ What is La Niña?
La Niña is a marine and atmospheric phenomenon that occurs in the Pacific Ocean. During this, the sea surface temperature decreases on average, increasing the likelihood of cold and wet weather around the world.
But in 2025, despite this, the temperature of the Earth increased instead of decreasing — this is a clear sign of how fast climate change has accelerated.
◆ Why so much increase in temperature?
There are several reasons behind this abnormal heat:
1. Emission of greenhouse gases
Since industrialization, the concentration of greenhouse gases, especially CO₂, CH₄ (methane) and N₂O, has been increasing steadily. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere and make the Earth hotter.
2. Anthropogenic activities
Pollution from vehicles, factories, power generation and agriculture has now reached such a large level that even natural phenomena like La Niña are unable to balance it.
3. Deforestation and land change
Deforestation on Earth has weakened the natural temperature balance system. Trees absorb CO₂, but when trees are cut down, this gas remains in the atmosphere.
◆ Data wise:
According to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, the average global temperature of January 2025 was 0.70°C higher than the 1991-2020 average.
This was the eighth consecutive month when global temperatures broke records.
◆ What could be its effects?
❄️ Melting ice in polar regions
Due to increasing heat, the ice of the Arctic and Antarctic regions is melting rapidly. This is increasing the sea level, which can flood coastal areas.
🌾 Impact on agriculture
Such intense heat can have a bad effect on crop production. This can lead to food crisis, inflation and starvation.
🦠 Health hazards
Extreme heat can increase heat stroke, waterborne diseases and respiratory diseases. It affects the elderly, children and pregnant women the most.
◆ What to do now?
✅ Global action:
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions
- Increased use of renewable energy
- Compliance with international climate treaties
✅ Individual action:
- Use of public transport
- Reduction in plastic and energy consumption
- Tree plantation and environmental awareness
Conclusion:
The record-breaking heat of January 2025 is a warning – a bell reminding us that climate change is no longer a future problem, but a present crisis. We have to act now, otherwise it will become difficult for future generations to survive.
