United States: The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has issued a stark warning that the Earth’s climate system is now more out of balance than at any point in recorded history, driven largely by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the agency, the planet is absorbing far more heat energy than it can release back into space, creating a record energy imbalance. This excess heat has already pushed global ocean temperatures to unprecedented levels, accelerated ice melt across polar regions, and intensified extreme weather patterns worldwide.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres reiterated the urgent need for nations to transition away from fossil fuels, emphasising the importance of renewable energy solutions to ensure climate, energy, and national security. Guterres warned that, “Planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits. Every key climate indicator is flashing red.”
The last 11 years have been the hottest years ever recorded. Earth’s energy imbalance has reached its highest than at any time in observed history, with heat reaching deeper into the ocean.
This is the Global #StateOfClimate 2025.
Read: https://t.co/oeI0TnHsDH #WorldMetDay pic.twitter.com/0BOQk7xlxd— World Meteorological Organization (@WMO) March 23, 2026
Warming trends continue to intensify
The WMO report highlights that the past 11 years have been the warmest on record, dating back to 1850. In 2025, global average temperatures were approximately 1.43°C above pre-industrial levels.
Although a temporary cooling phase linked to La Niña slightly moderated temperatures, 2025 still ranked among the three hottest years ever recorded. Scientists caution that warming may be accelerating, though it remains within projected long-term trends.
Meanwhile, a potential shift to El Niño later this year could push global temperatures even higher, possibly setting new records into 2027.
Oceans absorbing majority of excess heat
The oceans are absorbing more than 90 percent of the excess heat trapped by greenhouse gases. The WMO reports that heat stored in the upper 2,000 metres of ocean water reached a new peak in 2025, with warming rates more than doubling compared to the late 20th century.
This surge in ocean heat is contributing to rising sea levels, stronger storms, and widespread damage to marine ecosystems.
Glaciers, sea ice see alarming decline
The report also points to significant cryosphere changes. Glaciers recorded one of their five worst years on record during 2024–2025, while sea ice levels in both the Arctic and Antarctic hovered near historic lows for most of 2025.
Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels have reached their highest concentration in at least two million years, primarily due to fossil fuel combustion and other human activities.
Extreme weather and health risks rise
Rising global temperatures are already amplifying extreme weather events and increasing health risks. Heatwaves, such as the ongoing early-season event in the southwestern United States, have seen temperatures soar above 40°C—up to 15°C higher than average.
Climate change is also aiding the spread of diseases like dengue, further highlighting the broader societal impacts of warming.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasised the long-term consequences of current trends, warning that human activities are disrupting Earth’s natural equilibrium in ways that will persist for centuries.
Scientists continue to monitor global climate patterns closely, particularly the Pacific Ocean, as the potential onset of El Niño could intensify warming and drive the planet into uncharted temperature territory in the coming years.
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