Overview
- The World Meteorological Organization’s update finds January–August 2025 averaged 1.42 °C above preindustrial levels, with 2015–2025 the 11 warmest years and 2023–2025 the three hottest on record.
- UNEP’s new assessment warns the 1.5 °C threshold is likely to be exceeded within the next decade unless emissions fall sharply, calling for a 55% cut by 2035 versus 2019 as current national actions remain insufficient.
- Greenhouse gas concentrations hit historic highs and ocean heat stayed elevated in 2025, locking in further warming.
- Arctic sea ice reached a record low winter extent and Antarctic ice stayed well below average, while the long‑term rate of sea‑level rise accelerated to about 4.1 mm per year in 2016–2025.
- WMO reports extreme weather through August 2025 displaced people and disrupted livelihoods and food systems, as early‑warning coverage rose to 119 countries but about 40% still lack multi‑hazard systems.