Book 7, Question 95
Why Do Scientists Track Climate Over Many Years?
Scientists track climate over many years because one lucky warm week can fool you. Long records show real trends, and they separate steady changes from random ups and downs. Patience makes climate science strong!
From the book
Page from A Million Whys Book 7
More fun facts
- Modern global temperature records go back to 1880.
- The 10 most recent years are the warmest on record.
- Since record-keeping began, 2024 is the hottest year on record.
- Scientists compare each year's temperature to an average from the years 1951 to 1980.
- Their methods account for weather stations moving and for extra heat from growing cities.
- Modern record-keeping of ocean temperatures began in 1955.
Sources: NASA Science, NASA Science
Questions kids ask
How far back do temperature records go?
Modern global records go back to 1880.
What is the hottest year on record?
2024, according to NASA.