Earth’s Temperature is Rising: What You Need to Know
Last year was one of the hottest on Earth. Reports from climate experts show that the temperature is rising quickly. In fact, 2023 and 2025 were remarkably close in terms of average temperature—just 0.02 degrees Celsius apart, which is nearly a tie.
The global average temperature in 2023 was about 15.08°C (59.14°F). This is 1.44°C (2.59°F) higher than pre-industrial levels. Since 1850, we’ve been collecting this data, and it shows that the past three years have increasingly flirted with the crucial 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Agreement in 2015. Experts warn that we could cross this threshold by the end of this decade.
An official from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Russ Vose, noted that the past three years show a marked jump in temperatures compared to previous data.
Understanding the Acceleration in Warming
The last eleven years have been the hottest on record. Robert Rohde, a climate scientist, pointed out that the warming seen recently doesn’t fit the slower trends observed over the last 50 years. He attributes most of the temperature rise to human activity, particularly from burning fossil fuels.
Interestingly, recent conditions—like reduced soot pollution from ships, peaks in solar activity, and an underwater volcano eruption in 2022—may have contributed to this surge.
Samantha Burgess from the Copernicus Climate Service emphasized that the primary cause is clear: it’s our reliance on coal, oil, and gas. “Climate change is happening. It’s impacting everyone,” she said.
The Human Toll of Rising Temperatures
Heat waves and extreme weather events are becoming more common. In 2025 alone, 770 million people experienced record heat. Regions like China, Australia, and much of northern Africa were among the hardest hit. In the United States, 2023 was recorded as the fourth hottest year.
Moreover, events like floods and wildfires—in and around places like Los Angeles—show how climate change directly impacts lives. Increased temperatures lead to stronger storms and heavier rainfall. Burgess notes, “Extreme events become more frequent and intense.”
Climate patterns also play a role. The El Niño and La Niña oscillations can swing temperatures up or down. Last year, two weak La Niñas helped keep temperatures somewhat lower, but experts expect an El Niño soon, which could push temperatures back up.
What’s Next for Our Planet?
Looking ahead, 2025 and 2026 are likely to challenge current temperature records, with some predictions indicating 2029 could see a permanent rise above the 1.5°C threshold. Carlo Buontempo from Copernicus anticipates that when the next El Niño happens, it will further spike global temperatures.
Burgess warns that, in just a decade, the number of extreme climate events will increase significantly. The costs associated with these disasters could also escalate, making today’s relatively mild climate seem like a distant memory.
Climate change isn’t just a theory—it’s here, affecting people around the globe. It’s crucial that we work towards solutions before the impacts are irreversible.
For more information on climate data, check the World Meteorological Organization’s reports here.
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Samantha Burgess,Carlo Buontempo,environment,Climate,Robert Rohde,World news
