The Earth is warming every year and in 2021, average temperatures were as hot as they were in 2018.

While this sounds like good news, it isn’t because according to NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the last eight years have been the hottest on record.

According to the organisations, temperatures in 2021 were 0.85 degrees Celsius above the baseline period, which is measured between 1951 and 1980. This temperature is also 1.1 degrees Celsius warmer than the Earth was at the start of the Industrial Revolution.

“Science leaves no room for doubt: Climate change is the existential threat of our time,” commented NASA administrator, Bill Nelson.

“Eight of the top 10 warmest years on our planet occurred in the last decade, an indisputable fact that underscores the need for bold action to safeguard the future of our country – and all of humanity. NASA’s scientific research about how Earth is changing and getting warmer will guide communities throughout the world, helping humanity confront climate and mitigate its devastating effects,” he added.

In order to measure the global temperature NASA makes use of weather stations, ships and ocean buoys. The measurements collected on the ground are validated with satellite data from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder on NASA’s Aqua satellite.

This data is then analysed and algorithms are used to deal with uncertainties and quality control.

This data as well as how the analysis of the data was conducted can be accessed here.

The Earth is already bearing the brunt of humanity’s activity. Arctic sea ice is declining, sea levels are rising as a result, wildfires are more severe and the migration patterns of animals are changing.

The world is getting hotter folks and if you still think it isn’t because one particular day is chilly, then we have a serious problem on our hands.

[Image – CC 0 Pixabay]