NASA’s Global Temperature Tracker reveals that 2020 was statistically tied with 2016 as the hottest year on record. This comes as no surprise to those who have been monitoring the planet’s temperature. The continued trend of global warming, caused mainly by human activities such as burning fossil fuels and deforestation is cause for concern, especially as the effects of rising temperatures become more apparent.
The data shows that the global average surface temperature in 2020 was 1.84 degrees Fahrenheit (1.02 degrees Celsius) warmer than the baseline average from 1951-1980. This rise in temperature is not an isolated incident, but rather a part of a decades-long trend of increasing temperatures. NASA’s analysis is based on temperature measurements from around the world, including ships, buoys, and weather stations.
Source and Credits: https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/4964 – Scientific Visualization Studio, NASA (Feb 2022)
The consequences of this warming trend are already being felt globally, with rising sea levels posing a threat to coastal communities and more frequent and severe weather events causing damage to infrastructure and homes. The urgency of taking action to address climate change has never been more crucial. All individuals, governments, and businesses must take steps to reduce their carbon footprint and work towards a more sustainable future.
One possible solution to address the root causes of climate change is to bring emissions to net zero by mid-century. This is in line with the small remaining carbon budget for limiting global warming to 1.5°C, as suggested by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
It is essential to understand that climate change is not a standalone issue, but one that affects all aspects of life on Earth. It threatens the health of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of people. Addressing climate change must be a priority for everyone, from individual choices to government policies and international agreements.
We must work together to mitigate the effects of climate change and create a sustainable future for our planet. The time to act is now, and we must take significant steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition towards a low-carbon economy. Only then can we hope to protect our planet for future generations.
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