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 states that our planet is gaining much more heat energy than it can release, driven by emissions of warming gases such as carbon dioxide. This record energy imbalance heated the ocean to new heights last year and continued to melt our planet's ice caps.
Scientists fear that a natural warming phase called El Niño – expected to begin later this year – could soon bring further heat records.
In response to the report, UN Secretary General António Guterres reiterated his call for countries to move away from fossil fuels to renewable energy to deliver climate security, energy security and national security. He stressed that Planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits. Every key climate indicator is flashing red, in a directly impactful video address.
The last 11 years were the Earth's 11 warmest years in records since 1850, according to the World Meteorological Organization. In 2025, global average air temperatures were approximately 1.43C above those of pre-industrial times. The warmer years have drawn attention, even with a temporary cooling from the natural La Niña weather pattern.
The WMO cites a plethora of evidence indicating that climate change is accelerating, with a significant increase in the amount of extra heat energy being trapped by the Earth being pivotal. While there is still research to understand this phenomenon, greenhouse gases such as CO2 are primarily identified as the main contributors to this energy imbalance.
Currently, CO2 levels are at their highest in at least two million years, attributable to human activities such as fossil fuel burning. This situation influences not only air temperatures but accelerates rising sea levels, intensifies storms, and puts marine life in jeopardy.
Furthermore, the recent patterns show record heatwaves and extreme weather events across regions, signalling the urgent need for action. With predictions pointing towards an El Niño phase in the coming years, there is a pressing concern that global temperatures might reach unprecedented levels.
