New data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service reveals that global temperatures have remained 1.5C above pre-industrial averages for 12 consecutive months, marking the highest recorded temperatures between July 2023 and June 2024. This prolonged period of elevated heat signals a significant shift in climate patterns, with far-reaching implications for various industries, including drilling.

For drilling companies, this climate trend emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize heat safety for workers. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to serious health risks, including heat stroke and dehydration, which are particularly concerning for those working in outdoor and remote locations. The drilling industry must implement robust heat safety protocols, such as ensuring access to shade, adequate hydration, and regular breaks.

Carlo Buontempo, director of the Copernicus Climate Change Service, explained that this temperature rise is not an anomaly but a clear indication of ongoing climate change. “We are bound to see new records being broken as the climate continues to warm unless we stop adding greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and the oceans,” Buontempo stated.

The data indicates that June 2024 was the hottest June on record, contributing to the 12-month streak of temperatures exceeding 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. This persistent heat affects ecosystems and human activities alike, making it imperative for industries reliant on outdoor labor, such as drilling, to adapt their practices.

Drilling companies are encouraged to develop and enforce comprehensive heat safety plans, tailored to the specific conditions of their operations. These plans should include training for workers on recognizing and responding to heat-related illnesses, modifying work schedules to avoid the hottest parts of the day, and investing in cooling technologies.

As François Gemenne, an IPCC author and director of the Hugo Observatory at the University of Liège, noted, even small increases in global temperatures have significant local impacts. “Every 0.1C matters a great deal because we’re talking about global average temperatures, which translate into massive temperature gaps locally,” Gemenne said.

The drilling industry must heed these warnings and take proactive steps to protect its workforce. By doing so, it will safeguard its employees’ health and ensure operational efficiency and compliance with evolving safety standards.