UN report documents escalating impacts of weather and climate

A new report released by the World Meteorological Organization indicates that clear signs of human-induced climate change reached new highs in 2024, with consequences that will be irreversible for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. The report also highlights the massive economic and social disruption caused by extreme weather.

The WMO's State of the Global Climate report confirmed that 2024 was likely the first calendar year in which the temperature exceeded 1.5°C above the pre-industrial era, with the global average near-surface temperature reaching 1.55 ± 0.13°C above the 1850-1900 average. This makes 2024 the warmest year on record since records began 175 years ago.

This major WMO report stated:

- Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations reached their highest levels in the last 800,000 years. – Globally, each of the past 10 years has been the warmest since temperature records began.
– Ocean heat content has reached record levels in each of the past eight years.
– Arctic sea ice extent has fallen to its 18th lowest level on record in each of the past 18 years.
– Antarctic sea ice extent has fallen to its 3rd lowest level in each of the past three years.
– The largest ever loss of glacier mass has occurred over the past three years.
– The rate of sea level rise has doubled since satellite measurements began.
“Our planet is sending out more distress signals – but this report shows that limiting long-term global temperature rise to 1.5°C is still possible,” said António Guterres, UN Secretary-General. “Leaders must step up their efforts to achieve this – and harness cheap, clean renewable energy for the benefit of their people and economies – with new national climate plans needed this year.”

“A one-year temperature rise above 1.5°C does not mean that the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement are beyond reach, but it is a warning that we are increasing the risks to our lives, our economies, and our planet,” said Professor Saulo, WMO Secretary-General.

The report stated that long-term global warming is currently estimated to be between 1.34 and 1.41°C above the 1850-1900 reference period, based on a range of methods – although it noted uncertainty ranges in global temperature statistics.

A WMO team of international experts is continuing to study this issue to ensure consistency and reliability in tracking long-term global temperature changes, in line with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

Regardless of the methodology used, any fraction of a degree of warming affects us and increases the risks and costs facing society.

The record-breaking temperatures experienced in 2023 and broken in 2024 are primarily attributed to the continued increase in greenhouse gas emissions, along with the shift from a La Niña phenomenon—which cools surface temperatures—to an El Niño phenomenon that warms. According to the report, several other factors may have contributed to the unexpected temperature spikes, including changes in the solar cycle, a massive volcanic eruption, and a decrease in cooling aerosols.

These temperatures are just one part of a much larger picture.

Professor Saulo says: “Data from 2024 show that our oceans have continued to warm, and sea levels have continued to rise. The frozen parts of the Earth’s surface, known as the cryosphere, are melting at an alarming rate: glaciers continue to retreat, and Antarctic sea ice has reached its second-lowest level on record. Meanwhile, extreme weather events continue to have devastating consequences around the world.”

The year 2024 saw tropical cyclones, floods, droughts, and other hazards that led to the largest number of new displacements recorded in the past 16 years, exacerbated food crises, and caused massive economic losses.

Professor Saulo said, “In response, the World Meteorological Organization and the global community are intensifying efforts to strengthen early warning systems and climate services to help decision-makers and society as a whole become more resilient to extreme weather and climate events. We are making progress, but we must advance and accelerate. Only half of all countries worldwide have adequate early warning systems. This must change.”

Saulo emphasized that investing in weather, water, and climate services is more important than ever to address challenges and build safer, more resilient communities.

The report is based on scientific contributions from National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs), WMO Regional Climate Centers, UN partners, and a wide range of experts. The report includes sidebars that provide information on global temperature observations in light of the Paris Agreement and help understand temperature anomalies in 2023 and 2024. The report includes annexes on climate services and extreme weather events.

This report is one of a series of scientific reports issued by the World Meteorological Organization to support the