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) states that our planet is gaining significantly more heat energy than it can release, primarily due to emissions of warming gases such as carbon dioxide. This unprecedented 'energy imbalance' has caused ocean temperatures to soar and has led to continued ice melt across the globe.
Scientists express concerns that a natural warming phase known as El Niño—anticipated to commence in late 2026—could lead to even more extreme heat records. In response to the report, UN Secretary General António Guterres has reiterated the pressing need for countries to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to establish climate security and safeguard future generations.
Planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits. Every key climate indicator is flashing red, Guterres emphasized in a recent address.
According to the WMO, the last 11 years were the hottest recorded, with 2025 showcasing global average air temperatures approximately 1.43 °C above pre-industrial levels.
Although a temporary cooling due to the La Niña weather pattern impacted 2025’s temperatures, it was still one of the warmest years on record. The increase in heat energy is contributing to the intensification of extreme weather conditions, such as the recent early-season heatwaves in the southwestern US, where temperatures have surpassed 40 °C.
With the scientific community closely monitoring the Pacific Ocean, predictions suggest that the El Niño phase could amplify the existing human-induced warming trend leading to unprecedented temperature highs in the coming years. Experts warn that the impacts of climate change will be felt for hundreds to thousands of years as human activities continue to disturb the natural climate equilibrium.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) states that our planet is gaining significantly more heat energy than it can release, primarily due to emissions of warming gases such as carbon dioxide. This unprecedented 'energy imbalance' has caused ocean temperatures to soar and has led to continued ice melt across the globe.
Scientists express concerns that a natural warming phase known as El Niño—anticipated to commence in late 2026—could lead to even more extreme heat records. In response to the report, UN Secretary General António Guterres has reiterated the pressing need for countries to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources to establish climate security and safeguard future generations.
Planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits. Every key climate indicator is flashing red, Guterres emphasized in a recent address.
According to the WMO, the last 11 years were the hottest recorded, with 2025 showcasing global average air temperatures approximately 1.43 °C above pre-industrial levels.
Although a temporary cooling due to the La Niña weather pattern impacted 2025’s temperatures, it was still one of the warmest years on record. The increase in heat energy is contributing to the intensification of extreme weather conditions, such as the recent early-season heatwaves in the southwestern US, where temperatures have surpassed 40 °C.
With the scientific community closely monitoring the Pacific Ocean, predictions suggest that the El Niño phase could amplify the existing human-induced warming trend leading to unprecedented temperature highs in the coming years. Experts warn that the impacts of climate change will be felt for hundreds to thousands of years as human activities continue to disturb the natural climate equilibrium.
