Introduction
In 2022, the planet experienced one of its warmest years on record, with almost no place on earth experiencing temperatures below the historical average. Data from NASA, Berkeley Earth, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) all ranked 2022 as the fifth or sixth warmest year since 1880.
Regional Variations
While the global average temperature can hide regional variations, a closer analysis of temperature data in 2022 shows that both the northern and southern hemispheres were the sixth warmest on record. At the country level, 2022 was among the top 10 hottest years for 95 of 151 countries, among the top five hottest years for 59 countries, and the hottest ever for 21 countries. The only exception was the island country of French Polynesia, which experienced its 23rd coolest year since 1880 due to the cooling effects of the La Niña weather phenomenon.
No Place on Land Was Colder Than “Normal”
Almost no place on land was colder than the historical average of 1951-1980 in 2022. The only significant regions that were cooler were in French Polynesia and Zambia. The Arctic Circle, on the other hand, was three or more degrees warmer than the historical average.
Carbon Dioxide Emissions on the Rise
Despite the clear trend of global warming, carbon dioxide emissions were at their highest in 2022. The main reason for the warming is the increasing amount of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, in the atmosphere. These emissions come mainly from human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation.
Conclusion
The data clearly shows that the planet is experiencing relentless warming and urgent action is needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. It’s important for countries, businesses, and individuals to take immediate actions to reduce their carbon footprint and support the transition to a low-carbon economy.