Last year, Britain experienced its hottest and sunniest year on record. The Met Office announced that the mean temperature reached 10.09°C, surpassing the previous record of 10.03°C set in 2022. This trend shows the significant impact of climate change on UK temperatures.
Four of the last five years are now among the top five warmest since records began in 1884. In fact, all the ten hottest years have occurred in the last two decades. The Met Office had previously reported that 2025 was the sunniest year since records started in 1910, with 1,648.5 hours of sunshine—61.4 hours more than the previous record set in 2003.
This exceptional sunshine, especially in spring and summer, contributed to the record temperatures. Mark McCarthy, from the Met Office, explained that the warm weather aligns with the expected effects of climate change. He emphasized that while not every year will be record-breaking, human-induced climate change is undeniably influencing Britain’s climate.
Bob Ward from the Grantham Research Institute voiced strong concerns about climate change. He stated, “We can only mitigate the impacts by cutting greenhouse gas emissions to net zero.” Delaying this action could lead to greater damage and suffering.
In 2025, most months were warmer than average, leading to droughts in several regions. Water shortages prompted some companies to issue hosepipe bans. The year also saw an alarming rise in wildfires. Fire brigades faced the highest number of wildfires since 2011, with over 12,454 incidents reported in the first three months of the year, more than four times the number from the previous year.
Emily Carlisle, a scientist at the Met Office, explained that persistent high-pressure systems and higher sea temperatures contributed to the prolonged warmth. These climatic changes kept temperatures elevated for much of the year.
On a positive note, Britain saw a record amount of renewable energy generated in 2025, with wind, solar, and biomass together supplying 47% of the country’s electricity. The UK aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% by 2035, aspiring to achieve carbon neutrality by mid-century. This goal is crucial not only for the environment but also for public health and safety.
According to a recent survey by the Climate Change Committee, over 60% of the British public recognises climate change as a serious threat. Many are supportive of government action to combat it, showing a growing awareness of the urgent need to address this issue.
As experts warn, the implications of climate change are already visible. The statistics and trends serve as a call for action, reminding us of the importance of sustainability and making conscious choices to reduce our carbon footprints.
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