Fact check: What are the current global temperature trends?

1. Summary of the results

The current global temperature trends indicate a continued upward trend in global temperatures, with 2024 being reported as the warmest year on record by multiple sources, including ^[1], ^[1], and ^[1]. The global average surface temperature in 2024 was 2.32°F (1.29°C) above the 20th-century average, as stated by ^[1] and ^[1]. Additionally, ^[4] predicts that the 2025 global temperature will remain near or above +1.5°C relative to 1880-1920, with a high climate sensitivity and continued growth in greenhouse gas emissions contributing to the sustained warming trend. The long-term trend shows a steady increase in global average temperature since 1850, with an average yearly increase of 0.0067 °C over 172 years, accelerating to 0.0155 °C per year since 1951 and 0.0198 °C per year since 1971, as reported by ^[3]. However, ^[5] finds limited statistical evidence for a post‑1970s acceleration in global mean surface temperature, suggesting that while recent temperatures are unusually high, a statistically confirmed acceleration has not yet been established.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

A key aspect missing from the original statement is the context of greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on global temperature trends, which is highlighted by ^[2] as a crucial factor in addressing climate change. Furthermore, the role of human activities in driving the recent acceleration of global warming is emphasized by ^[3], but this context is not provided in the original statement. Alternative viewpoints, such as the statistical analysis presented by ^[5], which questions the existence of a post-1970s acceleration in global mean surface temperature, are also not considered in the original statement. The importance of monitoring and addressing climate change is emphasized by ^[1], but the original statement does not provide this context. Additionally, the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to renewable energy sources is highlighted by ^[2], but this is not mentioned in the original statement.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original statement may be misleading by not providing the full context of the current global temperature trends, including the role of greenhouse gas emissions and human activities, as reported by ^[2] and ^[3]. The statement may also be biased towards presenting a catastrophic view of climate change, without considering alternative viewpoints, such as the statistical analysis presented by ^[5]. The lack of context regarding the importance of monitoring and addressing climate change, as emphasized by ^[1], may also contribute to a biased presentation of the information. The beneficiaries of this framing may include environmental organizations and renewable energy companies, which may use the information to promote their causes and products, as well as researchers who may use the data to support their findings and secure funding for their projects ^{[1] [2] [3]}. On the other hand, fossil fuel companies and industries with high greenhouse gas emissions may be negatively impacted by this framing, as it may lead to increased regulation and public pressure to reduce their emissions ^{[2] [3]}.