Global Temperatures Up Nearly A Degree Since Earth Day 1970
© 2000 Environmental Defense
257 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010
March 30, 2000
A new analysis released today by Environmental Defense vividly demonstrates the rapid increase in temperature and greenhouse gases that has occurred since the first Earth Day in 1970. In the space of 30 years, from the first Earth Day in 1970 to next month's 30th anniversary, global temperatures will have increased nearly 1°F. The analysis is available here.
"Global average temperatures have increased almost a full degree since Earth Day 1970. Changes of this speed exceed any inferred for the past millenium, underscoring the fragility of our planet and the threat posed to our future by unchecked global warming," said Environmental Defense scientist Dr. Janine Bloomfield. "Responsible and affordable actions must be taken now to conserve energy, cut greenhouse gas pollution and redeem the promise of the first Earth Day."
Changes in key global warming indicators over the last 30 years are dramatic:
Since 1970, global annual temperature has risen nearly 1°F. The rate of warming has been 0.36°F per decade since 1976.
Total energy consumption in the US has increased almost 40% since 1970. Most of the energy is from burning fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gas pollution that warms the atmosphere. Energy consumption in the US makes up nearly 1/4 of the total energy consumed in the world today.
US population has increased 34% since 1970, from 205 million to 275 million while per capita energy consumption has risen slightly.
Nearly half of the total increase in atmospheric concentrations of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide since pre-industrial times has occurred since 1970. Concentrations of carbon dioxide have grown from 325 parts per million in 1970 to 367 parts per million in the year 1998 compared to pre-industrial levels of about 280 parts per million.
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