Scientists Respond With Theories About Rapidly Increasing Global Temperatures

Scientists are looking at trends that show a concerning outlook for our global temperatures. In the past few years, heat has accelerated, culminating in record temperatures in 2024. One factor scientists have determined to be a huge factor is the disappearance of low-lying clouds. 

However, we cannot simply fix this one issue. Multiple factors play off each other to influence our climate. Because of this, it makes it very hard to tackle the larger issue. Rising temperatures have led to our oceans boiling, accelerating glacier loss, a dramatic loss of Antarctic sea loss, and many extreme weather events that take a toll on human lives and economies. 

Low-lying clouds act as a natural sun repellant, blocking heat from the sun from contributing to our global warming crisis. A worrying trend shows that we are seeing fewer of these clouds. Therefore, the sun is playing a more prominent role in heating our atmosphere. This begs the question: if our defenses are vanishing and the heat is intensifying, how close are we to crossing a tipping point we can't return from?

What Are Low-Lying Clouds and Why Are They Disappearing?

Low-lying clouds are below 6500 feet and comprise what we know as stratus and cumulus clouds. Looking at a picture of the earth, you can see blue, green, and a bunch of white. It isn’t quite understood yet why these clouds are disappearing, but we know it isn't good.