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 (WMO) asserts that our planet is absorbing more heat energy than it can expel, fueled by emissions from greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide. This 'energy imbalance' has led to unprecedented ocean temperatures in the past year and continues to accelerate ice melt across the globe.
Scientists are particularly concerned about the climatic effects of the upcoming El Niño, a natural warming phase expected to emerge later this year, which may set new records for global temperatures.
In light of these alarming findings, UN Secretary General António Guterres called for a swift transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to promote climate, energy, and national security. He stressed that all key climate indicators are signaling a critical state for Planet Earth.
The last eleven years have marked the warmest period on record since 1850, with global average temperatures approximately 1.43°C higher than pre-industrial levels. Although 2025 was slightly cooler than 2024 due to a temporary cooling phase from La Niña, it still ranked among the three warmest years recorded. The total heat absorbed by the oceans reached unprecedented levels last year, prompting urgent calls for climate action.
Additionally, the consequences of rising temperatures are being felt through intensified extreme weather events and the spread of diseases like dengue. Presently, the southwestern United States experiences record-breaking heat, a phenomenon further amplified by human-induced climate change.
As researchers monitor the Pacific Ocean, projections suggest that the anticipated El Niño combined with anthropogenic warming may push temperatures to new highs into 2027. The WMO has indicated that without immediate and effective action, the ramifications of climate change will persist for centuries.
