The European climate service Copernicus reported that August was the hottest month ever measured on Earth, with scientists pointing to human-caused climate change as the main driver.
Key facts
- Copernicus, the European climate service, made the announcement.
- August was described as Earth's hottest month on record.
- Scientists said the heat surge is mostly due to human-caused climate change.
- The finding was reported by NPR on September 10, 2026.
Earth just endured its hottest month on record, according to the European climate service Copernicus. The announcement, reported by NPR, marks another milestone in a series of record-setting temperature measurements.
Copernicus said the planet sweltered through the extreme heat in August, ranking it as the warmest month scientists have measured.
Scientists said the heat surge is mostly due to human-caused climate change, according to NPR’s report on the Copernicus findings.
The designation of August as the hottest month on record underscores the continued trend of rising global temperatures that climate researchers have been tracking.
Copernicus, which monitors global climate conditions, is among the scientific bodies that regularly report on temperature records and long-term climate patterns.
Why it matters
Record-breaking global temperatures affect weather patterns, ecosystems and human health worldwide. Scientists' attribution of the heat to human-caused climate change reinforces the case for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Frequently asked questions
Which organization reported that August was the hottest month?
The European climate service Copernicus reported that August was Earth's hottest month on record, according to NPR.
What did scientists say caused the record heat?
Scientists said the heat surge is mostly due to human-caused climate change.