The statement that the global mean temperature has only increased 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit (or 0.72 degrees Celsius) in 100 years is not accurate. The actual increase in global mean temperature over the past century is larger and more significant.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the global average surface temperature has increased by about 1.1 degrees Celsius (2 degrees Fahrenheit) since the late 19th century. This warming trend is primarily attributed to human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels.
It is important to note that the impacts of climate change are not solely determined by the average global temperature but also by changes in extreme weather events, regional variations, and other climate indicators. While the global average temperature may not seem to have risen dramatically over a short period, it is crucial to consider the long-term trend and the associated consequences.
Furthermore, it is worth mentioning that while the global average temperature increase may seem relatively modest, the effects of climate change are not solely determined by this metric. Even small shifts in temperature can have significant consequences for ecosystems, sea levels, extreme weather events, and human livelihoods.
Record-breaking heat events and emphasis on their occurrence are often highlighted to draw attention to the accelerating impacts of climate change. These events, such as heatwaves, are becoming more frequent and intense, leading to severe impacts on human health, agriculture, and ecosystems. Therefore, focusing solely on the global mean temperature may not provide a comprehensive understanding of the broader climate change phenomenon and its effects.