As the effects of global warming become more apparent, it is important to understand the current state of the Earth’s climate, including the long-term trend of rising temperatures. A graph of global warming is a powerful visual that captures both the gravity of the situation and the tangible nature of the effects.
The data used to construct a graph of global warming comes from a variety of sources. One common data point is the average yearly surface-temperature record, which is measured by ground-based thermometers and satellites around the globe. This data is used to track changes in global temperature over time, showing both short-term effects (like El Niño or La Niña) and long-term trends. Other data points include sea-level rise, atmospheric CO2 concentration, and Arctic sea-ice extent.
A graph of global warming reveals a disturbing pattern: the Earth’s climate is changing, and most of the change can be attributed to human activities. The vast majority of climatologists agree that the observed increase in average global temperature is due to emissions from burning fossil fuels and other man-made activities, such as deforestation. Although other variables (like solar radiation or volcanoes) may also influence global temperatures, the overwhelming consensus among experts is that human activity is the largest contributor to global warming.
The consequences of global warming will be far-reaching and potentially devastating. The World Bank estimates that the global economy stands to lose trillions of dollars in the coming years due to climate change. Increasinly volatile weather patterns will disrupt food production, leading to food shortages in some areas. Warmer temperatures will also accelerate the loss of species in some of Earth’s most fragile ecosystems, causing extinction of many species. Rising sea levels could also lead to displacement of coastal populations and inundation of major cities.
Fortunately, there are solutions to global warming that can reduce its impacts in the future. Renewable energy is becoming increasingly competitive compared to traditional energy sources, and investments in clean energy technologies can reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Ending deforestation and restoring degraded forests are also important steps, as forests play a critical role in retaining carbon from the atmosphere. Finally, individuals and communities can make changes to reduce their impact on the environment, from reducing consumption of animal products to investing in energy-efficient appliances.
A graph of global warming illustrates the urgency of the situation and the reality of climate change. As temperatures continue to rise, it is up to us to take action to reduce the impacts of global warming and ensure a stable climate for generations to come.
