Temperature data from February 2016, which shattered previous records by an enormous margin, has led top climate scientists to warn of a “climate emergency.” According to National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) data, the average global surface temperature in February 2016 was 1.35 degrees Celsius warmer than the long term average for the month (established between 1951 and 1980). This new record comes on the heels of several recently set, including 2015 being named hottest year in recorded history.
Setting a new “hottest ever” record every month threatens the health of people all over the planet. Climate change is a major human health threat, bringing with it poor air and water quality, drought, severe weather, failing crops, and the advance of vector-borne diseases like Zika virus and Chikungunya.
