According to the United Nations, human-caused climate change has accelerated significantly over the past year. Many consequences of warming are already irreversible, at least over hundreds or thousands of years, according to the World Meteorological Organization's (WMO) State of the Global Climate report. These include ice loss and sea level rise, among other things.

The recently published report entitled "WMO report documents spiralling weather and climate impacts" by the World Meteorological Organization WMO makes it clear that the consequences of climate change are becoming ever more tangible. In 2024, the global average temperature was 1.55 degrees above pre-industrial levels. This temperature rise had various causes, including the increase in greenhouse gases. The report shows that many of the impacts are already irreversible, such as ice loss and sea level rise.

Further indicators, such as record-high ocean heat content and minimal sea ice extent in Antarctica, confirm the ongoing progression of climate change. This is leading to extreme weather events that have displaced many people and contributed to food crises and economic losses.  

The report emphasises the urgency of improving early warning systems and climate services, and calls for increased efforts from political leaders to curb the impacts of climate change. UN Secretary-General António Guterres warns of the rising stress signals from our planet and calls for the benefits of renewable energy to be harnessed.

Read everything at wmo.int about the new record highs, whose consequences are irreversible for hundreds, if not thousands, of years, and the massive economic and social upheaval caused by extreme weather events.