Fact Check: The average global temperature has increased by approximately 1.1°C since the late 19th century.

Fact Check: "The average global temperature has increased by approximately 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 multiple reputable sources. According to NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies, the average global temperature has indeed risen by at least 1.1°C (1.9°F) since 1880. This increase is attributed primarily to human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases, which have significantly altered the planet's energy balance.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) corroborates this finding, reporting that the global average surface temperature has increased by about 1.29°C (2.32°F) above the 20th-century average (1901-2000) as of 2024. Furthermore, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicates that human-induced emissions are responsible for approximately 1.1°C of this warming since the pre-industrial period (1850-1900).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim is robust and comes from multiple authoritative sources. NASA's analysis, which incorporates data from over 20,000 weather stations and various ocean temperature measurements, provides a comprehensive view of temperature changes over time. The consistency across different datasets, including those from NOAA and independent research groups, enhances the reliability of the findings. For instance, NOAA's report indicates that the average temperature has risen at a rate of approximately 0.11°C per decade since 1850, with a significant acceleration in warming observed since 1975.

The IPCC's findings further reinforce the claim, stating that the warming trend is unequivocally linked to human activities. This consensus among climate scientists and organizations lends credibility to the assertion that the global temperature has indeed increased by around 1.1°C since the late 19th century.

However, it is essential to note that while the average global temperature has increased, this warming is not uniform across the globe. Variations exist due to natural climate variability and regional differences, which can result in localized cooling or warming trends. Nevertheless, the overarching trend of global warming is clear and supported by extensive data.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that the average global temperature has increased by approximately 1.1°C since the late 19th century is accurate. This conclusion is based on consistent data from reputable scientific organizations, including NASA and NOAA, which demonstrate a clear upward trend in global temperatures primarily driven by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.

Fact Check: The average global temperature has increased by approximately 1.1°C since the late 19th century.