THE FOREIGN SERVICE JOURNAL | OCTOBER 2024 13 The 34th annual State of the Climate report, published by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Centers for Environmental Information and the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, reveals alarming climate trends for 2023. The report, compiled by nearly 600 scientists from 60 countries, documents record-high global temperatures, greenhouse gas concentrations, sea levels, and ocean heat content. Key findings include the highest-ever global surface temperature, surpassing the previous record set in 2016. The transition from La Niña to a strong El Niño in the Pacific Ocean contributed to this record warmth, making 2023 the warmest year since recordkeeping began in the mid- to late 1800s. The report also notes that the last nine years have been the nine warmest on record. Greenhouse gas concentrations, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, reached new peaks, further exacerbating the global warming trend. The global mean sea-surface temperature also hit record highs, with approximately 94 percent of the ocean surface experiencing marine heatwaves in 2023. The report points to the effects of extreme weather events, including record-breaking wildfires in Canada and Greece, severe droughts, and the lowest recorded Antarctic Sea ice extent. The Arctic experienced its fourth-warmest year, with the seasonal minimum seaice extent being the fifth smallest in the 45 years since recordkeeping began. Despite below-average tropical cyclone activity, 2023 still saw seven Category 5 storms, reflecting the increasing intensity of such events. The full report is available online at https://noaa.gov. We believe that competition with China does not have to lead to conflict or confrontation. The key is responsible management through diplomacy. Beginning in May of last year, that diplomacy has been an all-hands-on-deck effort across the U.S. government and the Cabinet. —National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan in an August 29 press briefing at the conclusion of a three-day visit to Beijing. Contemporary Quote Sauna Diplomacy In Washington, D.C., the embassy of Finland has turned an age-old Finnish tradition into a unique diplomatic tool, hosting gatherings in their sauna as part of their “Diplomatic Sauna Society.” Ambassador Mikko Hautala of Finland told The New York Times on Aug. 25 that the informal environment of the sauna fosters deeper and more open discussions, contrasting with the formalities typical of Washington’s diplomatic and political scene. “When you are half-naked or even sometimes completely naked, it allows for deeper discussion,” Hautala said. The embassy’s sauna gatherings have gained popularity, especially as Finland’s international influence grows following its recent accession to NATO. Seen as a healthier alternative to other networking events, they have become a coveted opportunity for Washington insiders to connect in a more personal and memorable way. Participants are awarded a “Sauna Diploma,” marking their initiation into the sauna society and their resilience in the 180-degree Fahrenheit heat. The entrance to the traditional Finnish sauna at the embassy of Finland in Washington, D.C. COURTESY OF THE EMBASSY OF FINLAND Rising Global Temperatures
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