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 says 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.
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 warned, Planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits. Every key climate indicator is flashing red. The last 11 years have been the Earth's warmest on record, according to the WMO.
In 2025, global average air temperatures were about 1.43C above pre-industrial levels, with the trend of increasing temperatures continuing.
Last year was still among the three warmest years recorded. Many scientists agree that warming is accelerating due to human activity, particularly from greenhouse gas emissions.
More than 90% of the excess heat is being absorbed by the oceans, leading to harmful impacts on marine life and increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
The WMO has emphasized the urgent need for immediate action, as we face lasting consequences due to human-induced climate changes. The upcoming El Niño phase could further increase global temperatures and intensify environmental challenges.
