Surface Temperature Anomalies (STA) are a useful parameter that can be utilized as a measure of climate change. This paper will focus on two kinds of STA, Sea Surface Temperature Anomaly (SSTA) and Surface Air Temperature Anomaly (SATA). Surface air temperatures refer to the temperatures close to the land surface, as opposed to the temperature of the air higher in the atmosphere. Similarly, sea surface temperatures are those measured at the top of the ocean, and do not include temperatures beneath surface level. STA are directly correlated to El Niño – Southern Oscillation (ENSO) effects, and thus the term ENSO will be referred to often throughout this writing. ENSO is a term scientists use to describe “the phenomenon where the atmosphere and ocean collaborate together” (Trenberth 2772). In his paper Kevin E. Trenberth looks at all the definitions of El Niño to come up with a conclusive quantitative definition, but in the context of this paper the general definition of El Niño as “anomalous ocean warming” (2771) “[corresponding] to the warm phase of ENSO” will be used (2772). STA are a very influential and problematic aspect of climate change. These anomalies can be linked to having negative effects on biodiversity through the altering of temperatures and weather conditions in certain regions. These alterations threaten the habitats and reproductive capabilities of species. Furthermore, STA can directly impact public health as the transmission of disease through animal vectors is in some cases accelerated. STA can also influence weather patterns through processes such as ENSO that can result in flooding or droughts which have large impacts on public safety and food production. Sustained observations of STA will continue to inform scientists on climate change, and this data can be used to help develop new or improve existing climate change mitigation strategies.