According to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, 2025 was recorded as the third-warmest year globally. Temperatures were 1.47 °C (2.65 °F) above pre-industrial levels, slightly cooler than 2023 but warmer than 2024, which was the hottest year recorded.
A striking detail is that the average temperature for the years 2023 to 2025 surpassed 1.5 °C over pre-industrial levels. This period marks a concerning milestone, as it exceeds the long-term warming limit set by the Paris Agreement. Experts warn that if the current warming trend continues, we could hit this threshold by the end of the decade, much earlier than initially predicted.
The extreme warmth we’re seeing can be attributed mainly to greenhouse gas emissions, which have continued to rise. Factors like high sea-surface temperatures—affected by El Niño and other ocean changes—also play a role. While tropical regions saw temperatures drop slightly, polar areas experienced record-high averages.
In Europe, 2025 was marked as the third-warmest year, with an average temperature of 10.41 °C, which is higher than the 1991-2020 average by 1.17 °C. Alarmingly, February saw polar sea ice cover hit its lowest point since satellite measurements began in the late 1970s.
Experts highlight that human activity is the main driver behind these rising temperatures. Laurence Rouil, director of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS), emphasized that atmospheric greenhouse gases have steadily increased over the past decade. “The atmosphere is sending us a message, and we must listen,” he stated.
Additionally, half of the world’s land area faced increased days of strong heat stress, defined as a temperature that feels like 32 °C or higher. This has led to intense wildfires across Europe and North America, worsening air quality and threatening public health.
Recent studies show that these trends are likely to continue unless significant action is taken. For example, a 2023 survey by the World Economic Forum revealed that nearly 70% of global citizens believe climate change is a significant threat to everyday life. This growing concern reflects a shift in public awareness and the urgent need for initiatives to address climate impacts.
In summary, the data shows that we are in a concerning phase regarding climate change. The numbers tell a clear story, urging immediate action and a reevaluation of our approach to the environment.
Source link
Caspian Post
