Global warming is accelerating, pushing climate thresholds forward by nearly a decade, according to a new study.
Climate warming accelerates
The planet is warming faster than previously thought, with the rate of temperature increase doubling over the past decade, according to a study published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science.Study published in 2026
Researchers from the University of Kansas found that global temperatures have risen by about 0.40°C per decade between 2011 and 2025, compared to 0.20°C per decade between 1971 and 2025.Threshold crossing moved forward
If the current rate continues, the global temperature could reach 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2028, nearly a decade earlier than most previous projections had estimated.Rate of warming is significant
The researchers state that the acceleration is statistically significant and not a temporary fluctuation, with the current pace suggesting a potential 4°C increase in global temperatures over the next century.Warming varies by region
The rise in temperatures is not uniform across the globe, and understanding these regional differences is essential for predicting future climate impacts.
