Unfortunately, the overall trend in climate change continues.

The overall trend in climate change continues.  A recent study shows that the Earth is warmer today than it has been for most of the last 11,300 years.

In a separate study, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration reported recently that the globally averaged temperature for February 2013 tied with 2003 as the ninth warmest February since record keeping began in 1880.  Perhaps even more telling, it also marked the 28th consecutive February and 336th consecutive month with a global temperature above the 20th-century average.  For the ocean, the February global sea surface temperature was 0.76°F above the 20th century average of 15.9°C (60.6°F), making it the eighth warmest February on record.

In related news, after a brief slowdown at the start of the global recession, global emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) and most other greenhouse gases are accelerating again.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has reported that in 2012 atmospheric levels of CO2, the heat-trapping gas, experienced the second highest rise since record-keeping began in 1959.  Most scientists agree that the rise is due primarily to a growing world economy that still relies on fossil fuels and in particular increased coal-burning power plants in developing countries and continuing increases in the total number of automobiles worldwide.

We can all help cut emissions - and save money, by saving energy, investing in solar, biking, buying local food, and buying fuel efficient cars when getting a new car.