We’ve unfortunately moved into the era of the “global boil” as the world experiences a historic heat wave.

At least, that’s the term that United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres coined to describe a situation that is seemingly a step further than global warming along can describe.

He used the term in a speech in New York City, according to CNBC, and the term does seem to make a good deal of sense.

Keep reading to find out more…

The outlet noted that large swathes of the world are currently experiencing higher-than-normal temperatures, with the risk of serious repercussions on the horizon.

“For vast parts of North America, Asia, Africa and Europe, it is a cruel summer. For the entire planet, it is a disaster,” he warned, adding that this was indeed evidence of climate change. “The only surprise is the speed of the change. Climate change is here. It is terrifying, and it is just the beginning.”

His speech, delivered on Thursday (July 27), coincided with President Joe Biden taking steps to protect those who are exposed to the rising temperatures in the United States.

Antonio issued a call to arms on a larger scale: “Extreme weather is becoming the new normal. All countries must respond and protect their people from the searing heat, fatal floods, storms, drought and raging fires that result.”