2025 Expected to Rank Among Warmest Years on Record
The years 2015 through 2025 will mark the eleven warmest years in the 176-year observational record, with the past three years being the hottest ever recorded. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report, the average near-surface temperature from January to August 2025 was 1.42 °C ± 0.12 °C above the pre-industrial average.
Temperature and Greenhouse Gas Trends
The year 2025 continues the alarming trend of extreme temperatures and is projected to be either the second or third warmest year on record. Concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases and ocean heat content, both at record highs in 2024, continued to increase in 2025.
Arctic and Antarctic Ice Conditions
After the winter freeze, Arctic sea ice extent hit the lowest level ever observed. Meanwhile, Antarctic sea ice remained significantly below average throughout the year.
Rising Sea Levels
The long-term trend of rising sea levels persisted despite a small temporary variation caused by natural factors.
Impact of Extreme Weather Events
From January to August 2025, extreme weather events such as intense rainfall, flooding, severe heatwaves, and wildfires caused significant harm. These events had cascading effects on human lives, communities, and food systems, contributing to displacement in several regions.
This contributed to displacement across multiple regions, undermining sustainable development and economic progress.
Summary: The continued rise in global temperatures and extreme climate events in 2025 profoundly impact ecosystems and human livelihoods, exacerbating challenges to sustainable development worldwide.