Scientists say the unfolding El Niño event superimposed on long-term global warming is a primary driver of this huge spike in global surface temperatures since mid-2023. But the magnitude of the increase shocked many experts, leaving them somewhat puzzled about what else could be behind the remarkable temperature.

Earth's climate has changed throughout history for numerous reasons, but modern climate change is driven by human behavior.

"We're really grateful for the space community and their care at this challenging time — but exploration continues, so we will be back."

Last year, 2024, was the warmest year on record for the planet, easily breaking the previous record set just a year earlier.

Climate change and human activities are causing significant disruptions to Earth's natural systems, including the global water cycle. These disruptions have introduced variability and irregularities that challenge assumptions about the stability of geophysical processes.

Image: It’s “going to look a little different” as it migrates to a more general science site, according to NASA. President Donald Trump has called climate change a “hoax,” and researchers have been archiving environmental data in case it starts to disappear from federal websites.

At 1.5C, 4–8% of species face a high risk of extinction, with coral reefs declining by 70–90%. At 3C, more than 50% of species face a high risk of extinction, with coral reefs virtually disappearing and entire ecosystems collapsing, including rainforests and Arctic tundra.

As the Trump administration returns to power, NASA faces a crossroads that could redefine its mission for decades to come.

The Sustainable Business Model Challenge is intended to promote innovation by encouraging enterprises to develop sustainable business models supporting climate resilience and informed decision-making.

"The change of seasons causes surface melting far inland from the coastal ice front," glaciologist Christopher Shuman said.

Scientists discovered that rapid temperature changes due to climate change are forcing species to move or be replaced faster than ever.

More than 200 NASA staff lost homes in the LA fires. Their tragedies bring a personal perspective to rising global climate risks.