The Earth's climate is further out of balance than at any time in recorded history, the UN's weather agency has warned. The World Meteorological Organization says that our planet is gaining much more heat energy than it can release, driven by emissions of warming gases such as carbon dioxide. This record energy imbalance heated the ocean to new heights last year and continued to melt our planet's ice caps. Scientists fear that a natural warming phase called El Niño – expected to begin later this year - could soon bring further heat records.
In response to the report, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his call for countries to move away from fossil fuels to renewable energy to deliver climate security, energy security, and national security. He cautioned, Planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits. Every key climate indicator is flashing red. The last 11 years were the Earth's 11 warmest years in records stretching back to 1850, according to the WMO.
Global average air temperatures were approximately 1.43°C above pre-industrial times in 2025. While there was a temporary cooling due to the La Niña weather pattern, last year was still one of the three warmest years on record. WMO officials noted that the ongoing warming trend is accelerating and highlighted the multitude of evidence illustrating that climate change is occurring faster than ever before.
The report illustrates the significant impacts on temperatures today, citing more frequent extreme weather events and the spread of diseases. Scientists are currently monitoring oceanic conditions, with long-term forecasts indicating a robust El Niño phase could emerge later this year, likely pushing global temperatures to unprecedented levels into 2027.
In response to the report, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated his call for countries to move away from fossil fuels to renewable energy to deliver climate security, energy security, and national security. He cautioned, Planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits. Every key climate indicator is flashing red. The last 11 years were the Earth's 11 warmest years in records stretching back to 1850, according to the WMO.
Global average air temperatures were approximately 1.43°C above pre-industrial times in 2025. While there was a temporary cooling due to the La Niña weather pattern, last year was still one of the three warmest years on record. WMO officials noted that the ongoing warming trend is accelerating and highlighted the multitude of evidence illustrating that climate change is occurring faster than ever before.
The report illustrates the significant impacts on temperatures today, citing more frequent extreme weather events and the spread of diseases. Scientists are currently monitoring oceanic conditions, with long-term forecasts indicating a robust El Niño phase could emerge later this year, likely pushing global temperatures to unprecedented levels into 2027.
