Rate of increase: 2.6 ÷ 30 = <<2.6/30=0.08667>>0.08667°C per year

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:05:58 +0000

Understanding Climate Change: The Rate of Temperature Increase—2.6 ÷ 30 = 0.08667°C per Year The ongoing rise in global temperatures is one of the most pressing environmental concerns of our time. Scientists closely monitor how quickly Earth’s average temperature is increasing—data that helps predict future climate impacts. A common calculation used in climate research involves dividing the total temperature increase over a period by that period’s length. For example, when researchers analyze climate trends, they often find that the planet has warmed by approximately 2.6°C over 30 years. ### What does 2.6 ÷ 30 = 0.08667°C per year mean? Breaking this down:
- 2.6°C: the total observed temperature rise (e.g., since pre-industrial times or from the mid-20th century)
- 30 years: the timeframe used in this analysis
- 0.08667°C per year: the average rate of increase in global temperature