Global surface temperature

Common Era Temperature

Projected Change in Temperatures by 2090

Global Surface Temperature refers to the average temperature of the Earth's surface, encompassing both land and ocean areas. It is a critical indicator of climate change and global warming, reflecting the balance of energy that enters and leaves the Earth's atmosphere. Over the past century, there has been a significant increase in global surface temperature, primarily attributed to human activities that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Overview

The measurement of global surface temperature involves collecting data from thousands of weather stations on land, as well as from ships and buoys at sea. This data is then analyzed and adjusted for various factors, such as time of observation and changes in station location, to ensure consistency over time. The most widely used datasets are provided by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Hadley Centre for Climate Prediction and Research in the UK, among others.

Trends

Since the late 19th century, the average global surface temperature has increased by about 1.0°C (1.8°F), with the majority of warming occurring in the past 35 years. The years 2016 and 2020 are tied as the warmest on record, with temperatures 1.2°C (2.2°F) above pre-industrial levels. This warming trend is unequivocal and primarily driven by human activity, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.

Impacts

The rise in global surface temperature has profound impacts on the planet's climate and ecosystems. These include increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (such as heatwaves, hurricanes, and heavy rainfall), melting of polar ice caps and glaciers, rising sea levels, and shifts in wildlife populations and habitats. Additionally, it poses significant risks to human health, food security, water supply, and economic growth.

Mitigation and Adaptation

Addressing the challenge of global warming requires both mitigation and adaptation strategies. Mitigation involves reducing the emission of greenhouse gases and enhancing their removal from the atmosphere, for example, through the transition to renewable energy sources, energy efficiency improvements, and reforestation. Adaptation strategies aim to minimize the impacts of climate change on human and natural systems, such as developing resilient infrastructure, improving water management, and adopting sustainable agriculture practices.

Future Projections

Future projections of global surface temperature depend on various scenarios of greenhouse gas emissions. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) provides a range of scenarios, from low emissions, where significant mitigation efforts are made, to high emissions, where current trends continue. Under high emission scenarios, global surface temperature could increase by 4°C (7.2°F) or more by the end of the 21st century. Such a rise would have catastrophic impacts on the global climate system, ecosystems, and human societies.

Conclusion

The monitoring and analysis of global surface temperature are crucial for understanding the current state of climate change and for informing policy and decision-making. While the challenge is formidable, there is still time to take collective action to mitigate the worst impacts of global warming and adapt to its inevitable effects.