Fact Check: The average global temperature has increased by about 1.1°C since the late 19th century.
What We Know
The claim that the average global temperature has increased by approximately 1.1°C since the late 19th century is supported by extensive research conducted by the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS). According to their data, global temperatures have risen significantly due to human-induced climate change, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. This increase is measured against a baseline period, typically considered to be from 1880 to the present.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) also corroborates this finding, indicating that the global surface temperature has increased by about 1.1°C since the late 19th century, with the last decade being the warmest on record. This warming trend is attributed to increased concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim comes from reputable scientific organizations, particularly NASA and the IPCC, which are recognized for their rigorous research methodologies and comprehensive climate data analysis. The GISS utilizes a variety of data sources, including satellite observations and ground-based measurements, to assess global temperature changes. Their findings are peer-reviewed and widely accepted in the scientific community.
Critically, the reliability of the sources is high, as both NASA and the IPCC are authoritative bodies in climate science. They employ rigorous standards for data collection and analysis, ensuring that their conclusions are based on solid evidence. Moreover, the consistency of findings across multiple studies reinforces the credibility of the claim.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that some debates exist regarding the exact figures and the methodologies used to calculate temperature changes. Critics may argue about the potential biases in data collection or the interpretation of historical climate data. Nonetheless, the overwhelming consensus among climate scientists supports the assertion that the average global temperature has indeed increased by about 1.1°C since the late 19th century.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the average global temperature has increased by about 1.1°C since the late 19th century is substantiated by credible scientific research from NASA and the IPCC. These organizations provide robust data and analysis that confirm this warming trend, which is largely attributed to human activities. Given the reliability of the sources and the consensus in the scientific community, the claim is accurate.
