Approximately what is the current global mean surface temperature of Earth when averaged over the entire planet?

Introduction / Context:
Climate and weather discussions often refer to the average temperature of Earth surface. This global mean surface temperature is not the same as the weather in any one city but is an average over all land and sea areas and over day and night. This question asks which approximate value best represents that global mean temperature.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• We are interested in the long term average temperature at the surface of Earth.
• This includes both land and ocean and both warm and cold regions.
• The options range from 6 degree Celsius to 36 degree Celsius.
• We assume standard school level values that are commonly used.

Concept / Approach:
Scientific estimates place the global mean surface temperature of Earth at around 14 to 15 degree Celsius over recent decades, with slight increases due to global warming. For simple general knowledge questions, this is often rounded to about 15 or 16 degree Celsius. A value as low as 6 degree Celsius would be too cold and not match observed climate, while values like 26 or 36 degree Celsius would be extremely hot for a global average and would not agree with ice and snow present at the poles. Therefore, the best approximate answer from the options provided is about 16 degree Celsius.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Climate science summaries, such as those from international panels and meteorological agencies, quote global mean surface temperature values around 287 to 288 Kelvin, which corresponds to roughly 14 to 15 degree Celsius. When rounded for easy understanding in school level questions, this is often given as about 15 or 16 degree Celsius. This supports selection of the 16 degree Celsius option as the closest match.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Six degree Celsius is wrong because it underestimates the actual long term global average temperature.
• Twenty six degree Celsius is wrong because it is much higher than global average and would imply a far warmer planet than we have.
• Thirty six degree Celsius is clearly wrong for an average, as many regions frequently fall below freezing and would make such a high average impossible.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may mistakenly think of the temperatures they feel on hot days as representing the global average, forgetting that cold regions and nights also reduce the average. Others may confuse land air temperatures with combined land and ocean averages. To avoid this, remember that a global mean of around the mid teens in degree Celsius is consistent with both tropical heat and polar ice coexisting on Earth.

Final Answer:
About 16 degree Celsius