Report confirms 2016 was another warm year
A new report confirms 2016 as the second-warmest year on record, with global temperatures reaching 1°C above pre-industrial levels due to human-induced climate change and El Niño events.
Global Temperature
Articles tagged with Global Temperature
Temperatures rising
New research by Dick Startz suggests that achieving the global temperature goals laid out in the Paris Climate Agreement is unlikely, with a 95% chance of temperatures increasing by more than 2 degrees Celsius by 2100.
Allowable 'carbon budget' most likely overestimated
Researchers found that using a true non-industrially influenced baseline could reduce the available carbon budget for meeting the 2°C warming limit. The study suggests that assuming a late 19th-century baseline may be underestimating the warming already taken place.
Heat on for Australia's Great Barrier Reef when global temperatures hit 1.5C
Research suggests that a 1.5C temperature increase will lead to twice as many extreme ocean heat events like the 2016 Great Barrier Reef damage, while a 2C rise triples the odds of mass bleaching. The study models thousands of years under different scenarios and finds keeping temperatures below 1.5C reduces extreme events and costs.
Paris 1.5°C target may be smashed by 2026
A positive phase of the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation could accelerate global warming, potentially pushing temperatures above 1.5°C as early as 2026. According to new research, this natural climate driver would likely produce a sharp acceleration in global warming over the next decade.
Northeast US temperatures are decades ahead of global average
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst predict that Northeast US temperatures will increase much faster than the global average, reaching a 2-degrees Celsius warming target about 20 years earlier. The study finds regional variations in climate change impacts, including wetter winters and drier summers.
Climate model predictions are telling a consistent story
A study by Aarhus University scientists uses three independent climate modeling methods to demonstrate that wheat yield will decline with global temperature increases. The models project a 5.7% decline in global wheat production for each 1°C temperature rise, with warmer regions expected to suffer the most.
Record hot year may be the new normal by 2025
A record hot year globally in 2015 could soon become an average year by 2025 if carbon emissions continue to rise, according to new research. The 'new normal' for global average temperatures is expected to be locked in by 2040, but immediate action on carbon emissions can prevent extreme seasons from becoming the norm at regional levels.
Carbon levy could limit impact of climate change, study suggests
A consumer tax on fossil fuels could lower its use and encourage cleaner alternatives, a new study suggests. The research proposes a Pigouvian tax as an effective way to balance economic needs with environmental protection.
Critical information needed in fight to save wildlife
A global campaign is proposed to gather essential biological information to improve climate change predictions for biodiversity. Current predictions fail to account for critical factors like species competition and movement, leading to inaccurate outcomes.
Pacific sea level predicts global temperature changes
Researchers found a correlation between Pacific sea level changes and global surface temperatures, with steeper tilts in the western Pacific linked to cooler temperatures. The study uses sea level data from 1993 to 2016 to estimate global surface temperature increases by the end of 2016.
Researchers create means to monitor anthropogenic global warming in real time
A new simulation and measurement method for anthropogenic global warming was created by researchers at the University of California San Diego, isolating human activities' contribution to surface waters of the Pacific Ocean. The study's findings show that human-induced warming can be distinguished from natural variability.
Long-term global warming not driven naturally
A study by Duke University and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory finds that global temperature remains stable in the long run due to the Planck Response and other mechanisms. Natural climate cycles alone are insufficient to explain large, sustained changes in global temperature.
How a 2°C rise means even higher temperatures where we live
A recent study published in Nature reveals that regional temperature extremes may exceed a 2°C rise by as much as 6°C in certain areas. This means that even if global average temperatures reach 2°C, local temperatures could be significantly higher, with potential impacts on sea-level rise and methane releases.
How 2 degrees may turn into 4
Climate researchers have calculated regional temperature increases based on a global 2-degree target, revealing clear-cut effects and limitations. The study provides valuable tool for politicians, decision-makers, and civilians to understand the importance of reducing CO2 emissions.
NASA study: Examination of Earth's recent history key to predicting global temperatures
A new NASA study finds that accurately accounting for climate drivers like aerosols and land use changes is crucial for predicting future global temperatures. The research calculated the temperature impact of each variable based on historical observations, revealing their complexity and correcting earlier underestimations.
Purdue study: Climate change consensus extends beyond climate scientists
A Purdue University-led survey of nearly 700 scientists from non-climate disciplines found that an overwhelming majority believe in anthropogenic climate change and are highly certain of their beliefs. The study suggests that cultural values, political ideologies, and personal identity influence scientists' views on climate change.
Global warming 'hiatus' never happened, Stanford scientists say
A study by Stanford scientists has found that the supposed 'global warming hiatus' never occurred, due to flawed statistical methods. The researchers developed a new statistical framework to re-examine temperature data, taking into account temporal and spatial dependencies.
Internal climate variability masks climate-warming trends
Researchers argue that internal natural variability can overwhelm background warming, making temperature plateauing rates appear significant. The Pacific Decadal Oscillation and other factors contribute to these variations, which must be considered when developing climate change models.
Oceans slowed global temperature rise, scientists report
Scientists analyzed ocean temperature measurements, finding a layer between 300-1,000 feet below the surface has been accumulating more heat than previously recognized. This warming will drive a surge in global surface warming as warm water moves westward, affecting surface temperatures and climate patterns.
Cutting carbon emissions could have indirect effects on hunger
A new study found that cutting greenhouse gas emissions may increase hunger risks due to indirect effects on food production and biofuel consumption. The researchers conclude that governments must address climate change while providing measures to alleviate hunger.
Heat still on despite warming slowdown
A recent slowdown in global average temperatures is having no effect on the planet's projected warming by 2100. The study found that long-term temperature outcomes are unaffected by short-term variability, with greenhouse gases expected to overwhelm natural fluctuations and lead to dangerous levels of warming.
Climate science literacy unrelated to public acceptance of human-caused global warming
A Yale University study found that people with high climate science literacy are actually more politically polarized on the issue. Despite recognizing the causes and consequences of climate change, those who score highest on a test measuring scientific evidence are more likely to hold extreme views.
Human influence important factor in possible global and UK temperature records
Recent research suggests that human influence on climate may have contributed to the possibility of breaking global and UK temperature records. The global mean temperature for January to October is 0.57°C above the long-term average, with the full-year figure likely to be close to this estimate.
Small volcanic eruptions could be slowing global warming
A new study suggests that small volcanic eruptions could be contributing to the slowdown in global warming by ejecting more atmosphere-cooling gas into Earth's upper atmosphere. By deflecting solar radiation, these eruptions may have lowered global temperatures by 0.05 to 0.12 degrees Celsius since 2000.
Global warming 'pause' since 1998 reflects natural fluctuation
A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests that the slowdown in global warming between 1998 and 2013 was due to a natural cooling fluctuation, rather than human-induced emissions. The study uses statistical analysis to identify patterns consistent with pre-industrial temperature swings.
Different types of El Nino have different effects on global temperature
A new study reveals that traditional and central Pacific El Niño events have distinct effects on global surface temperatures. Global temperatures were anomalously warm during traditional El Niño events but not during central Pacific events, which occur more frequently now.
Long-term warming likely to be significant despite recent slowdown
A new NASA study suggests that Earth's climate will continue to warm during this century, with a possible 20% increase in warming compared to previous estimates. The research focuses on improving the understanding of how airborne particles drive climate change, particularly in the Northern Hemisphere.
No warming hiatus for extreme hot temperatures
Research found a steep upward tendency in extreme hot days over land, despite a supposed 'hiatus' in global average temperatures. The study revealed regions experiencing 10-50 extremely hot days saw the greatest increases in hot events and affected area.
Pacific trade winds stall global surface warming -- for now
Researchers find Pacific trade winds have driven more heat into oceans, slowing global warming; however, when winds weaken, heat will rapidly return to atmosphere. The study suggests a hiatus in global warming is temporary and temperatures will soon rise rapidly.
Solar activity playing a minimal role in global warming, research suggests
A new study by Professor Terry Sloan and Professor Sir Arnold Wolfendale found that changes in solar activity had a negligible impact on global temperatures. The researchers compared data on cosmic rays entering the atmosphere with global temperature records, concluding that less than 14% of the twentieth century's warming was attribut...
Is global heating hiding out in the oceans?
A new study reconstructs Pacific Ocean temperatures over the last 10,000 years and finds that middle-depth waters have warmed 15 times faster than natural fluctuations. This suggests that oceans may be storing heat from human emissions, potentially buying time before climate change accelerates.
Climate tug of war disrupting Australian atmospheric circulation patterns
A new study reveals climate change is altering Southern Hemisphere circulation patterns, with mid-latitude high pressure zones being pushed further into the Southern Ocean. Rising global temperatures are driving winds south, contradicting expectations from strong El Niño events.
Global warming caused by CFCs, not carbon dioxide, study says
A recent study published in International Journal of Modern Physics B suggests that chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are responsible for global warming, contradicting conventional wisdom. The research, led by Qing-Bin Lu, reveals a strong correlation between CFC levels and global temperatures.
Reconstruction of Earth climate history shows significance of recent temperature rise
Scientists reconstructed Earth's climate history using data from 73 sites worldwide, revealing that the planet today is warmer than during 70-80% of the last 11,300 years. The study suggests that global temperature will rise significantly by the end of this century under all plausible greenhouse gas emission scenarios.
Earth is warmer today than during 70 to 80 percent of the past 11,300 years
A new study reconstructs Earth's temperature history back to the end of the last Ice Age, revealing that the planet is warmer than it was during 70 to 80 percent of the past 11,300 years. The analysis also shows that global temperatures have warmed about 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit over the past century.
Increases in extreme rainfall linked to global warming
A global review of rainfall data found that extreme rainfall events are increasing in intensity and frequency due to rising temperatures. The study, published in the Journal of Climate, shows a 7% increase in extreme rainfall for every degree rise in atmospheric temperature.
NASA finds 2012 sustained long-term climate warming trend
The average global temperature in 2012 was 58.3 degrees Fahrenheit, 1.0 F warmer than the mid-20th century baseline, continuing a long-term trend of rising global temperatures.
When the ice melts, the Earth spews fire
GEOMAR researchers have found evidence that climate change can trigger volcanic eruptions on a global scale. They discovered a pattern where periods of high volcanic activity followed rapid global temperature increases and associated ice melting. This discovery could provide new insights into the Earth's natural climate cycles.
New dating of sea-level records reveals rapid response between ice volume and polar temperature
A new study has revealed a rapid response between global temperature and ice volume/sea-level, which could lead to significant sea-level rise. The researchers were able to accurately date continuous sea-level records, allowing for detailed comparisons with independently dated ice-core records from Antarctica and Greenland.
Evolutionary straitjacket means flies can't take the heat
Many fruit fly species lack heat resistance, making them vulnerable to predicted global temperature increases. Researchers found that most tropical and mid-latitude species are at risk of extinction without adaptation.
Confirming carbon's climate effects
Scientists compiled core samples from around the world to reconstruct global temperature and find a strong correlation between rising CO2 and warming at the end of the ice age. CO2 trails Antarctic warming but precedes global temperature change, supporting its role in climate change.
Greenland ice sheet may melt completely with 1.6 degrees global warming
A new study suggests the Greenland ice sheet may melt completely within 500 years under 8 degrees Celsius global warming, while a 2-degree limit would take 50,000 years to achieve. The melting could accelerate due to feedbacks between climate and the ice sheet, with significant consequences for sea levels.
NASA finds 2011 ninth-warmest year on record
According to NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, 2011 was the ninth warmest year since 1880, with temperatures around the globe 0.92 degrees F warmer than the mid-20th century average.
Global warming 'not slowing down,' say researchers
Researchers analyzed five global temperature data sets and found that after removing short-term fluctuations, all five data sets showed excellent agreement, indicating that global warming is not slowing down. The study suggests that temperatures will continue to rise, emphasizing the urgency of addressing human influence on climate.
Governments must plan for migration in response to climate change, researchers say
Researchers warn that forced migration due to climate change will have calamitous results if not planned carefully. The team emphasizes the need for informed decision makers and careful planning to avoid community devastation. Resettlement efforts have left millions impoverished in the past, highlighting the complexities of the task.
Deep oceans may mask global warming for years at a time
A new analysis suggests that Earth's deep oceans can absorb enough heat to flatten the rate of global warming for periods of up to a decade. The study used computer simulations and found that ocean layers deeper than 1,000 feet are the main location of the 'missing heat' during these periods.
Penn researchers link fastest sea-level rise in 2 millennia to increasing temperatures
Researchers have linked the fastest sea-level rise in 2,000 years to increasing global temperatures. The study, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found that sea level rose by more than 2 millimeters per year on average since the late 19th century.
Fastest sea-level rise in 2 millennia linked to increasing global temperatures
A recent study found that the rate of sea level rise along the US Atlantic coast is the fastest in 2 millennia, linked to rising global temperatures. The research, conducted by a team of scientists, used microfossils and radiocarbon dating to reconstruct sea levels over the past 2000 years.
Earth's hot past could be prologue to future climate
A new analysis suggests that future global temperatures may exceed projections by a factor of two, with potentially catastrophic consequences. The study, led by NCAR scientist Jeffrey Kiehl, warns that continued high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere could lead to a repeat of Earth's hot past.
Earth's hot past: Prologue to future climate?
A new study by National Center for Atmospheric Research scientist Jeffrey Kiehl examines the relationship between global temperatures and high levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere tens of millions of years ago. The study finds that atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gas may reach levels that existed about 30 million to 100 ...
NASA research finds 2010 tied for warmest year on record
Global surface temperatures in 2010 tied 2005 as the warmest on record, with the next warmest years being statistically tied for third warmest year. The climate has warmed by approximately 0.36F per decade since the late 1970s.
Traveling by car increases global temperatures more than by plane, but only in long term
A new study finds that car travel has a higher long-term impact on global warming than plane travel, with a fourfold increase in temperature rise over time. In contrast, air travel has a more significant short-term effect due to its high-altitude emissions.
Research suggests climate change target 'not safe'
A new study suggests that current climate change targets are unsafe, as global temperatures appear to be comparable to projections for the end of this century. The analysis of geological records reveals that sea levels will rise significantly higher than anticipated, with a rate of rise more than double recent observations.
How warm was this summer?
The summer of 2023 was the fourth-warmest on record, with June to August temperatures globally being warmer than previous years but not unprecedentedly so. Global warming has increased the frequency of extreme warm anomalies, making events like the Moscow heat wave more likely.
Traveling by car increases global temperatures more than by plane, but only in long term
A new study finds that traveling by car increases global temperatures more significantly than flying over the long term due to higher carbon dioxide emissions. In contrast, air travel has a greater adverse climate impact in the short run due to its effects on high-altitude ozone and clouds.
More tropical cyclones in past could play role in warmer future
A team of climate scientists found that more frequent tropical cyclones in the Pliocene epoch could have led to persistent El Niño-like conditions. The study suggests that these storms may have contributed to a positive feedback cycle between tropical cyclones and upper-ocean circulation, leading to changes in atmospheric patterns.
NASA research finds last decade was warmest on record, 2009 one of warmest years
The past year was tied for the second warmest since 1880, while January 2000 to December 2009 was the warmest decade on record. Global temperatures have increased by about 1.5 degrees F (0.8 degrees C) since 1880.
Global temperatures could rise more than expected, new study shows
A new Yale University study suggests that current CO2 levels could lead to a greater temperature increase than previously thought, with temperatures potentially rising by 3 degrees Celsius or more. The research found that a relatively small rise in atmospheric CO2 was associated with substantial global warming during the mid- and early...
Climate projections underestimate CO2 impact
A recent study published in Nature Geoscience suggests that the climate may be 30-50 percent more sensitive to atmospheric carbon dioxide than previously thought. This increased sensitivity could lead to more accurate long-term projections and a better understanding of climate change's impacts on global temperatures.