Global Warming In the News

Has it felt warmer than usual around here lately?

A report released Wednesday said global warming caused Bakersfield’s average temperature to rise .5 degrees in 2007 over the average temperature for the 30 year-period from 1971 to 2000.

"Half a degree may seem very small, but half a degree when it comes to average temperature is a huge jump,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, director of global warming and clean energy programs for Environment California, the group that published the report.

The study, “Feeling the Heat: Global Warming and Rising Temperatures in the United States,” analyzed recent and historical temperature data nationwide and throughout California.

In 2007, Bakersfield’s average temperature was 60.5 degrees, up from the 30-year average of 60 degrees.

Throughout California, Fresno had the highest increase in 2007, with a 1.6 degree rise over the 30-year average.