[This article consists of an illustration. Please see hardcopy of magazine or PDF.]
1. A PAUSE IN WARMING
Researchers say a number of factors may have contributed to the hiatus. For one, volcanic eruptions released gases blocking the sun’s rays from heating up the earth’s surface. Shifting climate patterns in the world’s oceans have also strengthened trade winds, leading the earth’s oceans to absorb heat.
2. THE HEAT IS ON AGAIN
The Met Office says El Niño’s climate pattern, which will continue this year and next, will increase Pacific Ocean temperatures, while humans continue to emit greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
3. TEPID RESPONSE
Negotiators from 195 countries around the world are meeting in Paris this fall to craft an agreement to prevent a global temperature increase from exceeding 3.6°F by 2100. An agreement is likely, but scientists warn that the goal may already be out of reach.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- How Far Trump Would Go
- Why Maternity Care Is Underpaid
- Scenes From Pro-Palestinian Encampments Across U.S. Universities
- Saving Seconds Is Better Than Hours
- Why Your Breakfast Should Start with a Vegetable
- Welcome to the Golden Age of Ryan Gosling
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Write to Justin Worland at justin.worland@time.com