Unveiling the Impact of Climate Change: Understanding Warming Stripes and Global Trends
On June 21, people around the world will come together to participate in #ShowYourStripes day, a global campaign aimed at raising awareness about climate change using warming stripes graphics. These iconic graphics, created by Professor Ed Hawkins from the University of Reading, visually represent the long-term rise in global temperatures due to human-caused climate change.
Each stripe in the warming stripes graphic represents the global temperature averaged over one year, with red stripes indicating years that were hotter than the average and blue stripes indicating cooler years. The rapid shift from blue to red stripes in recent decades highlights the alarming rate at which the planet is warming due to carbon pollution.
In 2023, global temperatures shattered records, ranking as the hottest year on record at 1.4°C above early industrial temperatures. This record-breaking heat streak has continued into 2024, with 12 consecutive months of record-breaking global temperatures, bringing the planet dangerously close to the internationally agreed goal of limiting warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
Climate Central has analyzed historical temperature data to produce warming stripes graphics for 195 U.S. cities, 49 states, and the entire country. Most locations show a strong warming trend, especially in regions like the Southwest, Northeast, and Alaska.
To participate in #ShowYourStripes day, individuals can download and share warming stripes graphics for their city, state, or country. These graphics can be shared on social media, TV broadcasts, and in local climate reporting to spark conversations about climate change. Additionally, Climate Central offers a resource library with hundreds of graphics and reporting resources that explain the local effects of global climate change and potential solutions.
The urgency of addressing climate change is underscored by the potential impact on younger generations. Climate Central’s analysis shows that Millennials, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha could experience between 6 to 7°F of warming over their lifetimes if high levels of emissions continue. However, rapid cuts in carbon pollution could set younger generations on a path towards a safer future with less warming and fewer extreme events.
The tools needed to choose a cooler, safer future are already available, with the U.S. producing enough wind and solar energy in 2023 to power millions of homes. Clean energy investment is at an all-time high, and most states are projected to experience a boom in wind and solar energy capacity by 2035.
By participating in #ShowYourStripes day and engaging in climate conversations, individuals can contribute to raising awareness about climate change and advocating for solutions that will lead to a cooler, safer future for generations to come.