Science
Understanding Temperature: More Than Just a Number
An explainer on what temperature is, why it's a critical trending topic due to climate change, and how it directly impacts human health and daily life.
What is it?
Temperature is a physical quantity that expresses the hotness or coldness of a substance. Scientifically, it is a measure of the average kinetic energy of the atoms and molecules within a system; the faster these particles move, the higher the temperature. It is most commonly measured using a thermometer with scales such as Celsius (°C), used by most of the world, and Fahrenheit (°F), used in the United States. In scientific contexts, the Kelvin (K) scale is the standard. It is an absolute scale where 0 K represents absolute zero, the point at which all molecular motion ceases.
Why is it trending?
Temperature is a consistently trending topic due to its central role in discussions about climate change and global warming. The planet's average surface temperature has risen significantly since the late 19th century, driven by human activities. This has led to an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, such as record-breaking heatwaves, wildfires, and intense storms, which are regularly in the news. As nations experience these climatic events and scientists report on rising global temperature anomalies, the topic remains at the forefront of public and political discourse.
How does it affect people?
Rising global temperatures have profound effects on human life. Extreme heat is a major health hazard, increasing risks of heat-related illnesses like heatstroke, and worsening chronic conditions such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Higher temperatures impact agriculture by causing heat stress in livestock and damaging crops, which can threaten food security. They also strain energy infrastructure due to increased demand for cooling. Furthermore, climate change driven by rising temperatures leads to environmental degradation, water scarcity, and can force displacement, posing significant risks to economies and overall well-being.