Why are the last nine years the hottest on record globally?

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The Hottest Years on Record Are Attributed to Increased Greenhouse Gases from Human Activity

The past nine years, from 2013 to 2021, have consistently ranked among the ten hottest on record globally. This trend is largely attributed to the increase in atmospheric greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide and methane, which are primarily a result of human activities since the industrial revolution. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to the observed rise in global surface temperatures.
Global Temperatures Show a Persistent Warming Trend

In 2021, the average temperature across global surfaces was 1.51 degrees Fahrenheit (0.84 degrees Celsius) above the 20th-century average, positioning it as the sixth-hottest year in records dating back to 1880. When compared to pre-industrial conditions, specifically the 1880-1900 average, the 2021 global land and ocean temperature was 1.87F (1.04C) higher. This sustained warming trend is further evidenced by the fact that all nine years between 2013 and 2021 are among the top ten hottest years recorded.
Human Activities Drive Greenhouse Gas Accumulation

The scientific consensus highlights that increases in atmospheric greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and halogenated compounds, are the main drivers of observed warming. Since the industrial revolution, human activities have significantly escalated the concentration of these gases in the atmosphere. These gases function by absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation, a process commonly referred to as the greenhouse effect, which traps heat and elevates global temperatures.
Observed Impacts Include Extreme Weather Events

The consequences of this warming are increasingly evident in extreme weather phenomena. In 2021 alone, record-shattering wildfires occurred in Australia and Siberia, a severe heatwave impacted North America, and regions across Asia, Africa, the US, and Europe experienced massive flooding due to extreme rainfall. These events underscore the urgency expressed by climate scientists to limit global warming to within a 1.5C (2.7F) rise by the end of the century to avert more catastrophic impacts.

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Why are the last nine years the hottest on record globally?

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