7 Alarming Statistics That Prove Global Warming Is Real

Global warming, or climate change, is the ongoing increase in global average temperature caused by human emissions like burning fossil fuels and deforestation. It’s a serious threat to our planet and its inhabitants, leading to a cascade of negative consequences. Understanding the scope of the problem is the first step toward finding solutions.

The planet's average surface temperature has risen about 2 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) since the late 19th century, a change driven largely by increased carbon dioxide and other human-made emissions into the atmosphere. Most of the warming occurred in the past 40 years, with the seven most recent years being the warmest. 2016 and 2020 are tied for the warmest year on record.

The oceans are absorbing much of this increased heat, with the top 100 meters (about 328 feet) warming more than 0.6 degrees Fahrenheit (0.33 degrees Celsius) since 1969. This warming water expands, contributing to rising sea levels. Additionally, melting glaciers and polar ice caps further exacerbate the problem.

Global sea levels rose about 8 inches in the last century. The rate in the last two decades, however, is nearly double that of the last century and is accelerating slightly every year. Rising sea levels threaten coastal communities and ecosystems, displacing populations and increasing the risk of flooding.

Arctic sea ice is rapidly declining. Data shows that the minimum summer Arctic sea ice extent has shrunk by about 13% per decade since 1979, relative to the 1981 to 2010 average. This loss of ice disrupts the delicate balance of the Arctic ecosystem and contributes to rising sea levels.

The concentration of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere is currently higher than at any point in the past 800,000 years. Human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels, are the main driver of this increase. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas, trapping heat and contributing to global warming.

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense. Heatwaves are longer and hotter, droughts are more severe, and hurricanes are becoming more powerful. These extreme events have devastating consequences for communities and economies worldwide.

The scientific consensus is clear: global warming is real, it's happening now, and it's caused by human activities. The evidence is overwhelming, and the consequences are serious. We must take action to reduce our emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change before it's too late.