Global temp today
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Current Global Temperature Trends
Global Temperature Increase Over Time
Global surface temperatures have been rising steadily over the past century. Recent data indicate that the global average temperature has increased by approximately 0.6°C over the last 100 years2. This trend has accelerated in recent decades, with a rise of about 0.2°C per decade over the past 30 years1. The current global temperature is now higher than during 90% of the Holocene epoch, which spans the last 11,300 years3.
Regional Temperature Variations
The warming is not uniform across the globe. For instance, the Western Equatorial Pacific has experienced more significant warming compared to the Eastern Equatorial Pacific over the past century1. This regional variation has contributed to an increased likelihood of strong El Niño events, such as those observed in 1983 and 19981.
Historical Context and Projections
When compared to historical data, the current global average surface air temperature is warmer than during most of the Holocene, except for a small fraction of this period3. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) projects that by 2100, global temperatures could exceed the full range of Holocene temperatures under all plausible greenhouse gas emission scenarios3.
Recent Temperature Records
Recent years have seen unprecedented warmth. The years 2015 to 2020 are virtually certain to have been the six warmest years in recorded history5. The probability that 2020 was the warmest year on record is estimated to be 0.445. This recent streak of record heat is consistent with a steady global warming trend since the 1970s, despite short-term variability9.
Impact of Human Activities
Human activities have significantly contributed to the rise in global temperatures. Since the industrial revolution, human-induced factors have caused global temperatures to increase by approximately 1.25°C4. Current emissions trajectories suggest that we will exceed a 1.5°C increase in less than 10 years unless significant changes are made4.
Conclusion
In summary, global temperatures have been rising at an accelerated rate, with recent years setting new records. The current global temperature is higher than during most of the Holocene, and projections indicate further increases. Human activities are a major driver of this trend, and immediate action is required to mitigate future warming.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Global temperature change
Global warming of more than 1°C relative to 2000 will constitute "dangerous" climate change, potentially affecting sea level and species extinction.
Highly CitedFingerprints of global warming on wild animals and plants
Global warming is already significantly impacting animal and plant populations, with over 80% of species showing temperature-related shifts, potentially leading to species extirpations and extinctions.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedA Reconstruction of Regional and Global Temperature for the Past 11,300 Years
Current global temperatures are warmer than during 90% of the entire Holocene, with recent warming being unprecedented in that time.
Highly CitedCurrent global efforts are insufficient to limit warming to 1.5°C
Current global efforts are insufficient to limit global warming to 1.5°C, and political, corporate, and societal leadership are needed to overcome inertia and implement system-level and individual lifestyle changes.
Highly CitedA combined estimate of global temperature
The combined global temperature estimate shows a 1.2°C increase over the 1880-1900 average, with 2015-2020 likely being the six warmest years in recorded history.
Maximum and minimum temperature trends for the globe: An update through 2004
From 1950-2004, minimum temperature increased more rapidly than maximum temperature, leading to a significant decrease in diurnal temperature range.
Highly CitedSurface air temperature and its changes over the past 150 years
The annual average surface temperature of the world is 14.0°C, with the Northern Hemisphere experiencing the greatest warming between 1925-1944 and 1978-1997, and the Southern Hemisphere experiencing the coldest temperatures in the year.
Highly CitedAn overview of global warming
Global warming, caused by fossil fuel-based energy use, is projected to rise by 1.3 to 2.5°C by 2020, 2.4 to 5.1°C by 2070, and sea level rise 33 to 75 cm.
Global temperature evolution: recent trends and some pitfalls
Recent record heat years do not indicate an acceleration of global warming, but rather a steady warming trend since the 1970s, with random short-term variability.
Highly CitedEmpirical Data on Contemporary Global Climate Changes (Temperature and Precipitation)
Global warming has occurred over the last century with a mean trend of 0.5°C/100 years, and annual precipitation in the 35°-70°N zone increased by 6%.
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