The Earth’s climate is becoming increasingly unstable, with the planet now retaining more heat than at any point in recorded history, according to a new warning from the World Meteorological Organization.
The agency reports that the Earth is absorbing far more energy than it releases, mainly due to greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide. This growing “energy imbalance” has driven ocean temperatures to record highs and accelerated the melting of ice caps.
Scientists are also concerned about the possible return of El Niño later this year, a natural warming phase that could further increase global temperatures and trigger new heat records.
Responding to the findings, António Guterres urged countries to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and transition to renewable energy. He warned that key climate indicators are reaching critical levels, highlighting the urgency of action.
Data from the WMO shows that the past 11 years have been the warmest since records began in 1850. In 2025, global temperatures were about 1.43°C higher than pre-industrial levels. Although a cooling phase linked to La Niña slightly moderated temperatures, last year still ranked among the hottest ever recorded.
Beyond air temperatures, scientists point to broader signs of rapid climate change. The planet’s energy imbalance — a key driver of global warming — reached a new peak, largely due to rising concentrations of greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide levels are now at their highest in at least two million years, primarily due to human activities such as burning fossil fuels.
This excess heat is distributed across different parts of the Earth system. More than 90% is absorbed by the oceans, while the rest warms the land, melts ice and slightly increases atmospheric temperatures. As a result, ocean heat content has reached unprecedented levels, with warming accelerating significantly over the past two decades.
The consequences are already visible. Glaciers are shrinking rapidly, and sea ice levels in both the Arctic and Antarctic have remained near record lows. Warmer oceans are also contributing to stronger storms, rising sea levels and damage to marine ecosystems.
According to WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo, human activity is disrupting the planet’s natural balance, with effects that could last for centuries or even longer.
Rising temperatures are also intensifying extreme weather events and contributing to the spread of diseases such as dengue. In parts of the southwestern United States, an early-season heatwave has pushed temperatures above 40°C, far exceeding normal levels.
Researchers say such extreme heat would have been nearly impossible without human-driven climate change. At the same time, forecasts suggest that a new El Niño phase could develop in the Pacific Ocean in the second half of 2026, potentially pushing global temperatures even higher into 2027.
Overall, the findings underscore a rapidly changing climate system, with increasing risks for ecosystems, economies and human health worldwide.
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