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 reports 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' has led to new highs in ocean temperatures and accelerated the melting of ice caps. Scientists fear that a natural warming phase called El Niño, expected to begin later this year, could bring even hotter records.
In response to these findings, UN Secretary General António Guterres reiterated his appeal for countries to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy to ensure climate and energy security. Planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits. Every key climate indicator is flashing red, he warned.
The WMO reported that the last eleven years account for the warmest years on record, revealing that global average temperatures in 2025 were 1.43 C above pre-industrial levels.
A recent cooling triggered by La Niña slightly tempered the record heat of preceding years, but 2025 was still among the three warmest years since record-keeping began. The WMO cautions that current heat levels indicate rapidly accelerating climate changes, with the greatest increase evident in ocean temperatures.
With nearly 90% of excess heat absorbed by the oceans, marine life faces severe threats, intensifying storm patterns and driving sea levels higher. Prof. Celeste Saulo of the WMO noted, Human activities are increasingly disrupting the natural equilibrium, and we will live with these consequences for hundreds and thousands of years.
Looking ahead, researchers are monitoring the Pacific Ocean for signs of an El Niño formation, which could significantly spike global temperatures into 2027. Dr. John Kennedy of the WMO stated, If we transition to El Niño, we will see an increase in global temperature again, and potentially to new records.
Amid escalating extreme weather and significant public health challenges tied to climate change, the urgency for action cannot be overstated.
In response to these findings, UN Secretary General António Guterres reiterated his appeal for countries to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy to ensure climate and energy security. Planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits. Every key climate indicator is flashing red, he warned.
The WMO reported that the last eleven years account for the warmest years on record, revealing that global average temperatures in 2025 were 1.43 C above pre-industrial levels.
A recent cooling triggered by La Niña slightly tempered the record heat of preceding years, but 2025 was still among the three warmest years since record-keeping began. The WMO cautions that current heat levels indicate rapidly accelerating climate changes, with the greatest increase evident in ocean temperatures.
With nearly 90% of excess heat absorbed by the oceans, marine life faces severe threats, intensifying storm patterns and driving sea levels higher. Prof. Celeste Saulo of the WMO noted, Human activities are increasingly disrupting the natural equilibrium, and we will live with these consequences for hundreds and thousands of years.
Looking ahead, researchers are monitoring the Pacific Ocean for signs of an El Niño formation, which could significantly spike global temperatures into 2027. Dr. John Kennedy of the WMO stated, If we transition to El Niño, we will see an increase in global temperature again, and potentially to new records.
Amid escalating extreme weather and significant public health challenges tied to climate change, the urgency for action cannot be overstated.
