According to the WMO’s global climate status report released on the 23rd, the planet experienced its largest imbalance between incoming and outgoing energy since observations began. The report says this imbalance has intensified sharply over the past 20 years.
Concentrations of the three major greenhouse gases are also rising. In 2024, atmospheric carbon dioxide reached its highest level in the past 2 million years. Methane and nitrous oxide also reached their highest levels in at least 800,000 years.
Temperatures remained elevated. The 2025 global average temperature was 1.43°C above preindustrial levels, making it the second- or third-highest on record. Notably, each of the last 11 years (2015–2025) has ranked among the hottest years in recorded history.
Changes in the ocean are severe. The ocean has absorbed roughly 30% of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activity, accelerating acidification. Ocean acidification threatens biodiversity, marine ecosystems, shellfish aquaculture and fisheries that supply food.
Glacier and sea-ice losses are also accelerating. Most years in the past decade recorded substantial glacier loss. Last year, the Arctic’s daily maximum sea-ice extent (after winter refreeze) was the smallest since satellite records began in 1979. Antarctic sea ice has set record minimums for four consecutive years.
These changes have translated into real harm. The report says extreme weather in 2025—including heatwaves, wildfires and floods—killed thousands and affected millions.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “The global climate is in a state of emergency, and the planet is being pushed beyond its limits. These record events are no longer random; they are a signal to act.”
