According to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 2024 was the hottest year recorded since record keeping began in 1850. Last year was about two-tenths of a degree Fahrenheit warmer than the previous record set in 2023. NASA scientists estimate the planet is roughly 2.65° F hotter than the average temperature during the period from 1850 through 1900. NOAA reported that the last ten years were the hottest since 1850.

Scientists have warned for years that a rise of 1.5° C (2.7° F) in temperature above pre-industrial times could have catastrophic climate consequences. The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service separately reported that 2024 was the first year during which the global average surface temperature was more than 1.5° C higher than pre-industrial temperatures.