What’s Your “Climate Intelligence Quotient?”
By CSRwire Contributing Writer Martha Shaw
NOAA announces 2010 ties for warmest year on record as educators urge the public to raise our “climate intelligence quotient (CQ).”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released 2010 surface temperature data for the global Earth. According to scientists at its National Climatic Data Center, the year 2010 has tied with 2005 as the warmest year in the global surface temperature records, which date back 130 years to 1880. Combined global land and ocean annual surface temperatures for both 2010 and 2005 were 1.12° F above the 20th century average. In the contiguous (continental) United States, 2010 was the 14th consecutive year with an annual temperature above the long-term average. Since 1895, the temperature across the nation has increased at an average rate of approximately 0.12° F per decade. Precipitation across the contiguous United States in 2010 was 1.02 inches (2.59 cm) above the long-term average, with patterns highly variable from region to region.
In terms of the volumes of data collected each year, this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are huge amounts of data collected every second across the planet, under the sea and up in space by satellites, ships, planes and buoys that monitor our Earth. At a time when public confusion abounds regarding the distinction between weather and climate, educators hope to motivate scientific curiosity, investigation and inquiry so data can be better understood by society.
Among other reputable institutions, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) offers Eyes on the Earth, an engaging way to learn about the planet and test your climate intelligence or “CQ.”
If we don’t know why we know what we know, or don’t know what we don’t know, then our society can fall prey to misinformation by private interest groups with deep pockets and influence over airwaves and lawmakers. A growing number of educational initiatives, including the Climate Literacy Network, recognize that an informed public that understands the natural and man-made factors that affect climate will make better choices.
There is no better time than now to raise our collective “CQ.”
About Martha Shaw
Martha Shaw is a contributing writer for CSRwire covering clean technology and other topics. Martha has been named an Adweek Creative All Star and is the winner of international awards in communications. She is a member of the Climate Literacy Network, Fellow of the Explorers Club, board member of NYSES and CEO of Earth Advertising.
This commentary is written by a valued member of the CSRwire contributing writers’ community and expresses this author’s views alone.