Earth is currently experiencing record-breaking average global temperatures, with temperatures reaching 17.15° Celsius on July 22, nearly a whole degree hotter than the average temperature for that date from 1990 to 2020. These new heat records come after 13 consecutive months of record-breaking temperatures, including those in the oceans. The previous record for the highest temperature on Earth was 16.8°C, set in August 2016, which has been broken 58 times since mid-2023.
The Earth’s temperature has fluctuated throughout its history, with extremes ranging from the planet being molten rock right after its formation to average temperatures reaching as high as 32°C during the Neoproterozoic Era between 800 million and 600 million years ago. Similar episodes of extreme heat have occurred in Earth’s history, such as during the time of Pangaea 250 million years ago, the Cretaceous Hothouse approximately 92 million years ago, and the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum about 55 million years ago, all of which resulted in ice-free conditions with high sea levels and forested polar regions.
Since preindustrial times, Earth’s average surface temperature has increased by about 1.1 degrees Celsius, leading to a temperature comparable to that of 125,000 years ago during the last interglacial period. This warming trend has also been associated with higher sea levels, with estimates suggesting levels at least seven meters higher than today. The future trajectory of Earth’s temperature depends on greenhouse gas emissions, with high emission scenarios projecting a potential increase in global average temperature of 5 degrees Celsius or even up to 8 degrees Celsius in certain regions like the Arctic by the year 2500.
In response to these extreme temperature records, Science News has launched a project to highlight Earth’s climate extremes and address questions about adapting to a changing planet. As Earth continues to experience rising temperatures, questions about the potential for even hotter conditions, the impacts on ecosystems and human populations, and strategies for mitigating the effects of extreme heat become increasingly important. Understanding the factors driving these climate changes and their implications for the future can inform efforts to address climate change and protect the planet.
As we grapple with the realities of Earth’s changing climate, it is essential to engage in ongoing research, monitoring, and dialogue about extreme heat events and their broader impacts. By raising awareness, sharing knowledge, and encouraging action to address climate change, we can work towards a more sustainable future for our planet. Do you have questions about Earth’s extreme heat or climate change in general? Feel free to submit your inquiries, and together, we can explore the complexities of our warming world and seek solutions to safeguard our environment for future generations.
