NASA / nasa.gov

The planet’s average surface temperature has risen about 1.8 degrees Fahrenheit (1.0 degree Celsius) since the late-19th century, a change largely driven by increased carbon dioxide and other human-made emissions into the atmosphere, according to the report.

Globally-averaged temperatures in 2015 shattered the previous mark set in 2014 by 0.13 degrees Celsius (0.23 degrees Fahrenheit). Only once before, in 1998, has the new record been greater than the old record by this much.

“Climate change is the challenge of our generation, and NASA’s vital work on this important issue affects every person on Earth,” said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden. “Today’s announcement not only underscores how critical NASA’s Earth observation program is, it is a key data point that should make policy makers stand up and take notice - now is the time to act on climate.”