1. We are in the hottest period in the history of civilization, leading to record-breaking weather events and temperature extremes.

That’s according to an exhaustive scientific report unveiled by 13 federal agencies that says humans are the dominant cause of global warming. The White House approved its release even though the findings contradict much of the administration’s stance on the issue.

The U.N. convenes its annual climate change conference next week in Germany, and the American delegation is expected to face harsh criticism over the decision to walk away from the Paris climate accord.