Global warming is accelerating, scientists say

A new study finds that, after adjusting for natural variability, global warming has accelerated to about 0.35°C per decade in the past ten years, and researchers say Earth could pass the 1.5°C threshold before 2030 if that rate continues.

A recent study published in Geophysical Research Letters reports an acceleration in the underlying rate of global warming since 2015. The authors adjusted major global temperature datasets to reduce the influence of short-term natural variability. They report an adjusted warming rate near 0.35°C per decade for the past ten years, higher than the long-term average. The study’s authors and other researchers highlight that this trend affects timelines tied to the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C goal. Key findings: - The study reports an adjusted global warming rate of about 0.35°C per decade for the past ten years. - The authors state the acceleration since 2015 is supported across multiple datasets with reported high statistical confidence. - The researchers note that, at the recent rate, the 1.5°C threshold could be exceeded before 2030. Summary: The study indicates a faster underlying warming trend than the multi-decade average and could shorten the timeline for reaching the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C limit. How quickly warming continues depends on future greenhouse gas emissions. Undetermined at this time.