Global Surface Temperatures
This long-term record of global temperature is a key indicator of warming in the climate system.
Date Range: 1880 - 2021
Contributors:
This long-term record of global temperature is a key indicator of warming in the climate system.
Date Range: 1880 - 2021
Contributors:
Land and ocean surface temperatures are increasing
Since the 1880's, the average global temperature has increased by 1.8°F. Since the late 1970's, average temperatures have exceeded the last century's average every year.
The bars on the graph show the number of degrees by which the average global temperature for each year differs from the average global temperature during the last century (1901-2000).
About Global Surface Temperatures
Global average temperatures include air temperatures measured on land and sea surface temperatures measured from ships and buoys worldwide. The data shown in the graph were drawn from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Global Historical Climatology Network (GHCN) and International Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (ICOADS).Why It's Important
- Changes in global temperatures over the past century provide one important line of evidence for the effects of increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Such evidence can inform national and international policy discussions.
Explore USGCRP Indicators
Indicator Announcements and Opportunities
×
![]()
Indicator :
×