With reference to the global temperature records of August 2026, consider the following statements: 1. The record was driven solely by anthropogenic warming without any influence from El Niño. 2. The heat waves resulted in an estimated 50,000 deaths in Europe. 3. The global average temperature was 1.65 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

August 2026 was tied with July 2023 as the hottest month ever

GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Climate change & international agreements· Prelims· 11 September 2026

Climate change and El Niño impacts: a GS3 Environment and Ecology case study on extreme weather.

Why in news

Copernicus reported that August 2026 tied with July 2023 as the hottest month ever recorded, driven by climate change and a strong El Niño event.

Background

The global average temperature for August 2026 was 1.65 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels. The heat waves resulted in an estimated 35,000 deaths in Europe and caused severe wildfires globally.

Facts for Prelims

BodyCopernicus: The climate agency of the European Union
FactAugust 2026 global average temperature: 1.65°C above preindustrial levels
FactHeat wave fatalities: Estimated 35,000 deaths in Europe
S&TEl Niño: A climate phenomenon identified as a factor exacerbating the 2026 heat records

Prelims practice question

With reference to the global temperature records of August 2026, consider the following statements:

The record was driven solely by anthropogenic warming without any influence from El Niño.
The heat waves resulted in an estimated 50,000 deaths in Europe.
The global average temperature was 1.65 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a)2 only
(b)3 only
(c)1 and 2 only
(d)2 and 3 only

Show answer

Answer: (b) 3 only — Statement 3 is correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The note states it was driven by climate change and a strong El Niño event. Statement 2 is incorrect: The note states the estimated deaths were 35,000.

For Mains

Q. Discuss how the increasing frequency of extreme weather events like heatwaves and wildfires poses a threat to global climate stability and human safety.

Dimensions to cover in your answer

Climate feedback loops: El Niño interaction with anthropogenic warming accelerating global temperature anomalies
Humanitarian crisis: Mortality and infrastructure damage from extreme heatwaves in temperate regions

Keywords: Anthropogenic warming · Climate anomalies · El Niño · Extreme weather events · Preindustrial levels

Read the full news →Source: Wired ↗Also: GS1 · Geophysical phenomena (earthquakes, cyclones, volcanoes)

More Environment & Ecology notes

CAQM Steps Up Inspections, Seals Non-compliant Generators in Nuh · 17 September 2026
During a hearing at the National Green Tribunal, the Tamil Nadu government · 17 September 2026
Researchers at Northumbria University, supported by NASA, found that Greenland and Antarctica · 17 September 2026
African wild dogs trek 2,485 miles in search of mate, dodging poachers · 15 September 2026
Saxena Rejects Wildlife Report, Orders Resolution of Local Rights within Two Months · 13 September 2026
The rescue of five baby orangutans from the Bichitrapur forest in Odisha's · 11 September 2026

All Environment & Ecology current affairs →

This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.