Hard Numbers: Earth sets gloomy climate record, China’s economy deflates, US Marines found dead, Nigeria faces off with Ivory Coast

1.5: The world experienced its first 12-month period (Feb. 2023 - Jan. 2024) in which average global temperatures were more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, according to the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service. This, combined with last month being the warmest January on record, has climate scientists ringing alarm bells.

15: While much of the world is suffering under the weight of inflation, China is battling deflation. Prices in the country have fallen to their lowest level in 15 years. China’s consumer price index fell 0.8% year-over-year in January, as Beijing struggles to rebound from a tanking stock market, collapsing foreign investment, declining exports, and its property sector in freefall.

5: Five US Marines were confirmed dead in California on Thursday, after the helicopter they were in crashed not far from San Diego early Wednesday during a routine training flight. President Joe Biden said he and first lady Jill Biden are “heartbroken” and extended their “deepest condolences to their families, their squadron, and the US Marine Corps.”

7,000,000: Nigeria will face off against host nation Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday. Apart from being crowned the champions of Africa’s most prestigious soccer tournament, the winning team takes home $7 million.