How we measure temperature and why it matters

The temperature of the air, ocean and earth's surface affect both human and natural systems. For example, temperature affects health, agriculture and energy demand, as well as biodiversity and the natural environment. Human health is mainly affected by extreme temperatures.

Temperatures across the planet are routinely monitored, and long-term records are vital for identifying climate change. The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) provides quality-assured temperature data with global coverage that everyone can access and use free of charge. These data are used by various stakeholders, including the scientific community, policy makers, public organisations, the private sector and services and individual citizens, and are a vital tool in the fight against climate change. (More on climate.copernicus.eu)