Which temperature measuring method most accurately measures global warming?
Orbiting satellites provide the most accurate global temperature readings — accurate to 0.1 degree C. Interestingly, in the 18 years that satellites have been recording temperature they have actually showed a slight decrease in average global temperatures. Ground-based thermometers that were originally in rural areas have been reading increasingly hotter temperatures with time due to urban encroachment. The asphalt and concrete structures replacing green leafy plants makes for hotter local ground temperatures. This phenomenon is known as the “urban heat-island effect” and has been well-documented by climatologist Dr. Patrick Michaels, professor of environmental sciences, University of Virginia. In a November 1997 press release Vice President Al Gore proclaimed that 1997 was the hottest year on record. Ground-based temperature readings were the basis for this announcement. Had the data from orbiting satellites been cited the report would have been much different: no net increase in glo
