Atmospheric temperatures are on the rise as records continue to be shattered.  On July 22, 2024 Earth experienced its warmest day with global average temperatures reaching a record high of 17.16℃. Global atmospheric temperatures have risen 1.2℃ (or 2.1℉) since 1850.  While this may not sound like a large increase, it has affected our everyday lives causing melting glaciers and ice sheets, changes to precipitation patterns and ever increasing heat waves.  

 

Temperature increases are varied across the globe with higher latitudes experiencing enhanced warming, while equatorial and subtropical regions experiencing less.  Furthermore, urban areas with human-made materials tend to heat up faster and cool down slower during heat waves creating urban heat islands.  As a result the impact of a warming atmosphere is not equally shared across different settings (urban versus rural)  and diverse populations (people who live near urban and industrial areas versus those who live in suburban and rural neighborhoods).