Fact Check: "The Earth’s average temperature has increased by approximately 1.1°C since the late 19th century."
What We Know
The claim that the Earth's average temperature has increased by approximately 1.1°C since the late 19th century is supported by multiple reputable sources. According to the NOAA, the global average surface temperature has risen by about 0.11°C per decade since 1850, culminating in an increase of approximately 1.1°C above the pre-industrial average (1850-1900). This trend is corroborated by data from NASA, which indicates that in 2024, the Earth's temperature was about 1.47°C warmer than the late 19th-century average (NASA). Furthermore, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) confirms that the global surface temperature reached 1.1°C above the 1850-1900 baseline during the period of 2011-2020 (IPCC).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust and comes from multiple independent research groups, including NOAA and NASA, which have consistently reported similar warming trends. The NOAA's annual climate report states that the average global temperature has increased significantly, with the last decade being the warmest on record (NOAA).
NASA's analysis aligns closely with NOAA's findings, indicating that the average temperature in 2024 was approximately 1.47°C higher than the late 19th-century average (NASA). The IPCC's Sixth Assessment Report further strengthens the claim, providing a best estimate of a 1.07°C increase, which falls within the range of 0.8°C to 1.3°C attributed to human activities (IPCC).
The sources cited are credible and widely recognized in the scientific community. NOAA and NASA are both U.S. government agencies that specialize in climate research, while the IPCC is an international body established to provide scientific assessments on climate change. Their findings are based on extensive data collection and analysis, making them reliable sources for understanding global temperature changes.
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that the Earth's average temperature has increased by approximately 1.1°C since the late 19th century is supported by substantial evidence from credible sources. The consistent reporting from NOAA, NASA, and the IPCC confirms this warming trend, which is primarily attributed to human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.
