A report compiled by 413 scientists from 58 countries confirms that 2014 was the warmest year since systematic scientific measurements of temperatures began in the late nineteenth century. According to the latest study published by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the climate markers continue to show a clear trend of global warming.
A report compiled by 413 scientists from 58 countries confirms that 2014 was the warmest year since systematic scientific measurements of temperatures began in the late nineteenth century. According to the latest study published by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the climate markers continue to show a clear trend of global warming.
The report provides a detailed update on the environmental indicators, notable weather events, and other data collected by environmental monitoring stations and ground-based instruments, water, ice, and space.
Among the key findings of the report stands out that the greenhouse gases continue to rise, and the concentrations of the main gases of this type, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, increased during 2014, reaching new levels of historic magnitude.
According to the publication, atmospheric concentrations of CO2 increased by 1.9 ppm (parts per million) last year, reaching a global average of 397.2 ppm for 2015; which it is a notable difference from the 354.0 ppm of 1990, when the first edition of the report was published.
"Record temperatures near the earth's surface have been observed, four independent databases showed that 2014 was the warmest year on record. This heat was widespread throughout land areas," said the document.
Europe experienced its warmest year, according to records, with over 20 countries exceeding their previous records; Africa suffered temperatures above average throughout most of the continent in 2014, Australia saw its third warmest year, and Mexico saw the highest values in this regard.
In Latin America, countries like Argentina and Uruguay experienced their second warmest year; and the eastern area of North America was the only major region to experience temperatures below annual average.
Source: PL