If Earth's average global surface temperature in 2021 exceeds that of any year from 1880 to 2021 by more than 2.124℉, then the record is broken. The resolution criteria involve NASA's announcement on whether 2021 is the hottest year on record, with a tiebreaker involving NOAA numbers if necessary. Historical records suggest the planet's temperature has continued to rise since 2016, when it was previously the warmest year on record. The outcome of this assessment will determine whether 2021 surpasses that mark. A more ambiguous resolution process is employed in cases where multiple datasets are tied.