Global Warming Rate Nearly Doubles Since 2015, Scientists Say

What changed

Scientists say global warming has accelerated sharply since around 2015. The reported rate is now approximately 0.35°C per decade, nearly twice the average pace recorded from 1970 to 2015.

Why it matters

The important change is speed. A warming trend that moves at 0.35°C per decade leaves less time between one temperature milestone and the next. The climate system is not simply continuing along its earlier line; the line has become steeper.

That makes the period since 2015 a crucial marker. The finding describes a major shift in the rate of global temperature increase, although the study details, causes of the acceleration and independent confirmation are not provided here.