UN report confirms record-breaking heat and rapid glacier loss, warning the world is nearing critical climate thresholds, with urgent action needed to protect vulnerable communities and prevent worsening global impacts.
The past 11 years have been the hottest since records began in 1850, the United Nations weather agency reported on Monday. The World Meteorological Organization’s State of Global Climate 2025 shows 2025 ranking as either the second or third hottest year ever, at about 1.43 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
The WMO also confirmed that 2024 was the hottest year on record, at 1.55 degrees above pre-industrial averages. These figures underline the rapid acceleration of global warming, putting the 1.5 degrees target of the Paris Agreement at serious risk.
Glaciers are melting at unprecedented rates. The WMO highlighted exceptional ice loss in Iceland and North America, with some of the worst declines ever recorded.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the global Climate is in a state of emergency. Planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits. Every key climate indicator is flashing red.
Rising temperatures are already driving extreme weather events worldwide, threatening millions of lives, food security and economies. Scientists say urgent action is needed to limit further warming and prevent catastrophic consequences.
The WMO report is a stark reminder that global warming is not a distant threat. It is happening now. Governments, industries and communities must act immediately to reduce emissions and accelerate the shift to renewable energy. The planet cannot wait. The climate crisis is here and urgent action is required.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, said the report is alarming but not surprising. He called for immediate climate action, especially to support the most vulnerable communities in the Global South. He said governments must stop delaying and invest urgently in renewable energy and climate resilience. He added that young people are ready to lead local action if they are given resources and support.
