Global warming is accelerating, study shows

A study in Geophysical Research Letters reports that Earth's warming rate has increased over the past decade and that recent years have averaged about 1.5°C above preindustrial levels, linked to higher greenhouse gases, weakened carbon sinks, and reduced aerosol cooling.

A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters reports that Earth's warming rate has accelerated over the past decade. The authors link this acceleration to rising greenhouse gas concentrations, weakening carbon sinks, and a recent drop in aerosol pollution from coal generators and cargo ships. The study notes that the past three years have averaged about 1.5°C warmer than preindustrial levels. Key findings: - The planet warmed at about 0.2°C per decade from 1970 to 2015, while the last 10 years show a higher rate of about 0.35°C. - Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations are at levels not seen in at least 2 million years, and forests and other carbon sinks have been degraded by fire and drought. - A reduction in aerosol pollution, which previously had a net cooling effect, has contributed to more rapid surface warming. - The past three years averaged roughly 1.5°C above preindustrial levels; the study projects that, at current rates, the world could cross the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C threshold around 2030, while official assessment will depend on a 20-year average. Summary: The study indicates a faster pace of global warming and highlights factors behind the change, including greenhouse gas rises, weakened sinks, and reduced aerosol cooling. Scientists warn of risks tied to approaching climate thresholds, and the timing of any sustained breach of the Paris 1.5°C threshold is undetermined at this time.