The latest calculations from several science agencies showing Earth obliterated global heat records last year may seem scary. But scientists worry that what’s behind those numbers could be even worse.

The Associated Press asked more than three dozen scientists in interviews and emails what the smashed records mean. Most said they fear acceleration of climate change that is already right at the edge of the 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) increase since pre-industrial times that nations had hoped to stay within.

“The heat over the last calendar year was a dramatic message from Mother Nature,” said University of Arizona climate scientist Katharine Jacobs. Scientists say warming air and water is making deadly and costly heat waves, floods, droughts, storms and wildfires more intense and more likely.

  • lntl
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    10 months ago

    lol @ “may be worsening”

      • lntl
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        10 months ago

        Greenhouse warming is simple. Greenhouse emissions are worsening and they are directly related to greenhouse warming.

        Using ‘may’ here is like saying if I put more sand in a bag, it may get heavier.