2014 is officially the hottest year on record

(Image credit: Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

Scientists confirmed Friday what many have claimed would happen: Last year was the hottest in earth's history.

The 10 warmest years on record have all occurred since 1997, with 2010 placing second behind 2014, The New York Times reports. Scientists say the warmer temperatures in recent years are a result of global warming, a long-term condition caused by increased human emissions.

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Julie Kliegman

Julie Kliegman is a freelance writer based in New York. Her work has appeared in BuzzFeed, Vox, Mental Floss, Paste, the Tampa Bay Times and PolitiFact. Her cats can do somersaults.