The global temperature rise has accelerated dramatically over the past year: In each of the past twelve months, the increase compared to pre-industrial levels was greater than ever before; in eleven of the twelve months, it was more than 1.5 degrees. This is according to data published on Wednesday by the EU-funded Copernicus Climate Change Service. The average temperature increase was 1.63 degrees, thus exceeding the maximum target of 1.5 degrees set out in the Paris Agreement.