Keeping track on the Earth's temperature dates back to 1880, and ever since it began, the mercury seems to be rising at a dramatic rate. In fact, according to an independent study by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), 2016 was the hottest year in recorded history.

The pair analysed data from 6300 weather stations dotted across the globe over the past 12 months and found that the overall temperature has risen by 1.78 degrees since the mid-20th century.

While climate change naysayers (we're looking at you President-Elect Trump) will highlight that the increase is small, NASA notes that 16 of the 17 hottest years have occurred between now and 2001. Furthermore, 2016 is the third consecutive year that a new heat record has been set.

NASA notes that it is not simply an increase in temperature that's affecting the world, but the significant fluctuations have also led to a greater number of natural disasters, such as floods, as well as the rise in ocean levels due to ice caps melting.  

With this trend set to continue, it's clear that drastic action needs to be taken. If you're still unconvinced by the effects of climate change, watch this video with a heat map of the world below.