The planet's average surface temperature has risen about 2.12 degrees Fahrenheit (1.18 degrees Celsius) since the late
19th century, a change driven largely by increased carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere and other human
activities.
4 Most of the warming occurred in the past 40 years, with the seven most recent years being the warmest. The
years 2016 and 2020 are tied for the warmest year on record.
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