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If It's Called Global Warming, Why Is It So Cold?

  • Writer: Isabella Vegso
    Isabella Vegso
  • Mar 3, 2019
  • 2 min read

Updated: Feb 28, 2021


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Since 1950, the average global temperature has increased 0.9 degrees Celsius*. According to NASA’s 136 year record, 17 of the warmest 18 years have occurred since 2001. Arctic sea ice is disappearing at a rate of 12.8% per decade**. All these facts are alarming and can all be attributed to global warming, caused by the increase of greenhouse gases in the earth’s atmosphere, which is dramatically changing global climates. The question is, if the earth is warming, then why is it so cold?


The answer to that question lies in the polar jet streams***. These are powerful winds, with speeds ranging from 129-225 kilometers per hour, approximately one kilometer above earth's surface. The polar jet streams are located at high latitudes near the north and south poles, caused by strong differences in pressure and temperatures exhibited between the poles and the lower latitudes. This separates the frigid temperatures of the poles and the relatively milder temperatures of the mid-latitudes. The problem arises, however, when global temperatures start to rise. Recall that average global temperature has increased 0.9 degrees celsius since 1950. They key word here is average. Mid-latitudes are experiencing less dramatic changes compared to the higher latitudes of the poles. This is caused by many factors, such as a lowering of albedo (how much solar radiation is reflected back into space) due to ice melt at the poles, changes in cloud formations, and the movement of energy towards the poles through large air circulation currents.


You can read more about this here!



The question is, how does this affect the jet streams? Remember that the jet streams are caused by pressure and temperature differences between high and low latitudes. These differences are starting to diminish due to the warming of the poles. As a result of this, the jet streams are starting to slow, and their once fairly straight path around the earth is beginning to wobble. As the jet stream winds down towards the mid-latitudes, it brings with it the cold arctic temperatures, causing out of the ordinary cold temperatures!


Media outlets and politicians tend to misinterpret the facts and mislead the public to support their own political views. It is important, however, to understand that climate models are very complex, and have many competing and confusing variables. Researching the facts and understanding the true reasoning behind climate phenomena (which are still being researched and updated by scientists daily!) is an essential component to staying educated and informed.



Get updates on global CO2 levels, temperature, sea ice, and sea levels here;

Want to learn more about the jet streams? Read about it here;

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