Explore global temperature projections from 2025 to 2100 using two of the most widely used climate models in scientific research.
Current Global Average Temperature (2020s): 14.98°C (58.96°F)
This represents the current global mean surface temperature, which is already 1.1°C (1.98°F) warmer than the pre-industrial baseline (1850-1900 average of 13.9°C / 57.02°F). All projections below show how temperatures will continue to change from this current baseline.
GFDL-CM4 (Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory Climate Model 4) is developed by NOAA's GFDL. This model is widely used in IPCC reports and features:
Scenario: SSP2-4.5 (moderate emissions pathway)
CESM2 (Community Earth System Model 2) is developed by NCAR and is one of the most comprehensive Earth system models:
Scenario: SSP2-4.5 (moderate emissions pathway)
What this means: The Earth has already warmed by over 1°C (1.8°F) since the late 1800s. The projections above show additional warming that will occur on top of this current temperature of 14.98°C (58.96°F).
SSP2-4.5 Scenario: This represents a "middle of the road" socio-economic pathway where social, economic, and technological trends follow historical patterns. CO₂ emissions remain around current levels before declining mid-century, leading to about 4.5 W/m² radiative forcing by 2100.
Note: These are simplified projections based on published model outputs. Actual climate models involve complex interactions and uncertainties not fully captured in this simulation.