Climate Change: Yep, Still Terrifying

Tis the season for climate change concern. Between floods in Australia that were caused by temperature-dependent tropical storms, and the repeated blizzards that shut down significant portions of the United States over the last few weeks (strangely, warmer winters tend to have more snow), the tangible impacts of a warming planet are starting to feel a little more tangible.

On the scientific side, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced today that 2010 was tied with 2005 as the warmest year since scientists started keeping sufficient records of global temperatures. At 58.12°F, 2010 was 1.12°F over the 20th century average; but the Northern Hemisphere's 58.31°F average temperature make 2010 its warmest year ever, 1.31°F above the 20th century average.

To put this in context, the ten warmest years on record are 2010, 2005, 1998, 2003, 2002, 2009, 2006, 2007, 2004, and 2001. So with the exception of 2008, all ten of civilization's hottest years are within the last ten years.

Dunno about y'all, but I find that last sentence to be fucking terrifying.