US President Donald Trump recently questioned how the world can be warming when it's so cold in an enormous winter storm that's hitting the US. On social media, he called temperatures "nearly unprecedented" and referred to advocates of climate change as "environmental insurrectionists." However, more than a dozen scientists say his claims are wrong.
According to scientists, even in a warmer world, winters and cold days still occur, and they never said otherwise. They point out that while it's cold in the eastern US, much of the world is actually warmer than average. Meteorologists also suggest that global warming may make this cold seem unprecedented due to its intensity, but government records show that similar extreme cold events have occurred before.
In fact, climate scientist Daniel Swain notes that global warming continues and has been progressing at an increased rate in recent years. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) records, globally, winter temperatures - including December, January, and February - have increased by 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit since 1995.
Meanwhile, scientists also note that the US is only 2% of Earth's area, and while some parts are experiencing cold weather, other regions, like Australia, Africa, and Russia, are significantly warmer than usual. Princeton University climate scientist Michael Oppenheimer says even as the Earth warms, cold days and winters are not projected to disappear but become fewer in number.
Additionally, researchers suggest that the warming Arctic may contribute to more extreme winter outbreaks in certain areas. However, Northern Illinois University meteorology professor Victor Gensini notes that it's essential to consider both climate change and natural variability when analyzing weather patterns.
Trump's remarks about record-breaking cold also contain inaccuracies, according to experts. For instance, while a severe cold wave is forecasted for several states, records show that similar events have occurred in the past. According to Kristina Dahl, vice president of science at Climate Central, there are 45 record lows set in January this year - compared to just one hundred and ninety-two record highs.
Overall, scientists emphasize that global warming continues and has not disappeared.
According to scientists, even in a warmer world, winters and cold days still occur, and they never said otherwise. They point out that while it's cold in the eastern US, much of the world is actually warmer than average. Meteorologists also suggest that global warming may make this cold seem unprecedented due to its intensity, but government records show that similar extreme cold events have occurred before.
In fact, climate scientist Daniel Swain notes that global warming continues and has been progressing at an increased rate in recent years. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) records, globally, winter temperatures - including December, January, and February - have increased by 1.3 degrees Fahrenheit since 1995.
Meanwhile, scientists also note that the US is only 2% of Earth's area, and while some parts are experiencing cold weather, other regions, like Australia, Africa, and Russia, are significantly warmer than usual. Princeton University climate scientist Michael Oppenheimer says even as the Earth warms, cold days and winters are not projected to disappear but become fewer in number.
Additionally, researchers suggest that the warming Arctic may contribute to more extreme winter outbreaks in certain areas. However, Northern Illinois University meteorology professor Victor Gensini notes that it's essential to consider both climate change and natural variability when analyzing weather patterns.
Trump's remarks about record-breaking cold also contain inaccuracies, according to experts. For instance, while a severe cold wave is forecasted for several states, records show that similar events have occurred in the past. According to Kristina Dahl, vice president of science at Climate Central, there are 45 record lows set in January this year - compared to just one hundred and ninety-two record highs.
Overall, scientists emphasize that global warming continues and has not disappeared.