This data visualization shows the 2022 global surface temperature anomaly compared with the 1951-1980 average.
Global warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels that release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, trap heat and cause the Earth's temperature to rise, leading to a wide range of negative impacts on the environment and human societies.
Some of the effects of global warming include rising sea levels, more frequent and severe heatwaves, droughts, and extreme weather events such as hurricanes and wildfires. Global warming can also lead to changes in the timing and patterns of precipitation, which can affect agriculture, water supplies, and ecosystems. Additionally, global warming can contribute to the extinction of plant and animal species as their habitats are altered or destroyed.
To mitigate the impacts of global warming, individuals, governments, and businesses must work together to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources, such as wind and solar power. Some of the solutions to global warming include improving energy efficiency, investing in public transportation, and promoting sustainable agriculture and forestry practices. By taking action to address global warming, we can help protect the planet and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
NASA has reported that the Earth's average surface temperature in 2022 was effectively tied with 2015 as the fifth warmest on record. This continuing trend of global warming saw temperatures in 2022 rise to 1.6 degrees Fahrenheit above the average for NASA's baseline period (1951-1980). The past nine years have been the warmest years since modern recordkeeping began in 1880, with Earth in 2022 being about 2 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the late 19th-century average.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has described the warming trend as "alarming," highlighting the significant impacts that climate change is already having, including intensifying forest fires, stronger hurricanes, and rising sea levels. Human activities, such as the pumping of enormous amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, continue to be the primary cause of the warming trend.
The Arctic region has experienced the strongest warming trends, close to four times the global average, with many communities around the world already feeling the impacts of a warming atmosphere and ocean. NASA's global temperature analysis draws data from weather stations, research stations, and instruments on ships and ocean buoys to track changes in global temperature. These measurements are used to account for uncertainties and maintain consistent methods for calculating global average surface temperature differences for every year.
NASA's commitment to understanding our changing planet is demonstrated by its Earth System Observatory, which provides state-of-the-art data to support climate modeling, analysis, and predictions to help humanity confront our planet's changing climate. NASA's full dataset of global surface temperatures through 2022, along with full details on how the analysis was conducted, is publicly available from the Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS).
Credit
NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio. Data provided by Robert B. Schmunk (NASA/GSFC GISS).
Governments around the world have taken various steps to prepare for and combat global warming. Here is a list of some of the notable actions taken by governments in recent years:
- 2015: The Paris Agreement was adopted by 196 countries, aiming to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and pursue efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.
- 2016: The United States, China, and India - three of the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters - ratified the Paris Agreement, bringing the total number of countries that have ratified the accord to 120.
- 2017: The European Union announced its "Clean Energy for All Europeans" package, aiming to make the EU a world leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency.
- 2018: Sweden became the first country to launch a climate law, which requires the country to become carbon neutral by 2045.
- 2019: The United Kingdom declared a climate emergency, committing to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
- 2020: China announced a target of carbon neutrality by 2060, and the European Union increased its 2030 emissions reduction target to 55% below 1990 levels.
- 2021: The United States rejoined the Paris Agreement after former President Donald Trump withdrew the country from the accord in 2017.
- 2022: The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) was held in Glasgow, Scotland, bringing together world leaders to discuss global action on climate change.
Governments have also invested in renewable energy and energy efficiency programs, implemented carbon pricing and emissions trading systems, and enacted regulations to limit greenhouse gas emissions in various sectors such as transportation, agriculture, and industry. Additionally, some governments have provided funding and resources to support research and development of clean energy technologies.
There are many ways individuals can help to reduce the impact of global warming. Here are 10 ways people can make a difference:
- Reduce energy consumption: Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use, use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, and adjust the thermostat to conserve energy.
- Use public transportation, bike, or walk: Instead of driving alone, consider taking public transportation, biking, or walking to reduce emissions from transportation.
- Reduce meat consumption: Meat production is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. Consider reducing meat consumption or choosing more sustainable options like grass-fed beef.
- Choose renewable energy: Install solar panels or choose an electricity supplier that uses renewable energy sources.
- Reduce water usage: Conserve water by taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, and using water-efficient appliances.
- Reduce waste: Reduce, reuse, and recycle to reduce waste and the associated emissions from the disposal.
- Plant trees: Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, so planting trees can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Support climate-friendly policies: Contact your elected officials to voice your support for climate-friendly policies and legislation.
- Choose sustainable products: Choose products made from sustainable materials, and avoid single-use products whenever possible.
- Educate others: Spread awareness about global warming and encourage others to take action to reduce their impact on the environment.
