Global Temperature is a term used to describe the combined, average temperature from land and ocean stations across the entire planet at any given time.
The temperature in a given area can be compared: daily, monthly, or yearly to what is typical for that area. The comparisons are usually made relative to a long-term average (Often 1950-1980).
Differences between current temperature data when compared to data from benchmark years are referred to as anomalies. A positive anomaly implies the temperature is warmer than the long-term average while a negative anomaly means it is cooler.
Tracking these anomalies over time gives us a long-term picture of global temperature trends.
Since 1880 the global average temperature has increased by just over 1 degree celsius.
While this might not seem like a large figure. The increase in accumulated heat can drive massive changes in regional climates. Including: reducing snow cover and sea ice, intensifying heavy rainfall and the severity of storms, prolonging droughts, rising sea levels, bleaching coral reefs, and disrupting crop production.
Identifying the situation as an immediate threat to the prosperity of our society across the globe. The UN’s Paris Climate Agreement outlines a vital goal. “Holding the increase in our global average temperature below 2 degrees celsius with the intention of limiting the increase at 1.5 degrees.”
Small changes in the global average temperature cause significant and severe impacts. If these trends continue at their current pace, we risk facing the consequences rather soon.
Global crops failures and famine by 2 degrees celsius (we risk 2 degrees by 2035)
Massive loss of life/societal collapse by 4 degrees (we risk 4 degrees by 2065)
Earth is uninhabitable by 6 degrees (we risk 6 degrees by 2095)
Sources:
Comments