Earth’s Rising Temperatures: What You Need to Know
Last year, Earth’s average temperature soared, making 2025 the third hottest year recorded, just behind the previous years 2024 and 2023. Experts warn that the planet is getting dangerously close to breaching the global warming threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius since pre-industrial times, a target set during the Paris Agreement in 2015.
According to Copernicus, Europe’s climate monitoring service, the average temperature in 2025 was approximately 14.97 degrees Celsius (58.95 degrees Fahrenheit), which is 1.47 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This increase in temperature is concerning. It leads to more extreme weather events, costing economies billions of dollars.
Recent findings show that the last eleven years have been the hottest on record. Notably, 2025’s temperature levels significantly exceed the average from the 1980s. Robert Rohde, chief scientist at Berkeley Earth, remarked, “The last three years suggest a quickening in warming trends, unlike what we have observed in the prior decades.”
Climate scientists believe that human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels, are primarily responsible for this trend. Samantha Burgess from Copernicus stated, “Climate change is real, affecting everyone globally, and we are to blame.”
Heat Waves and Their Impact
In 2025, numerous heat waves broke local records. This year also witnessed devastating extreme weather events, including wildfires in Los Angeles. Burgess highlighted how a warmer climate increases the frequency and intensity of such events, leading to more severe storms and flooding.
A staggering 770 million people experienced record heat last year, with many affected in regions like China, Australia, and parts of Africa. In the U.S., 2025 ranked as the fourth warmest year ever.
The Role of El Niño and Future Predictions
Natural climate patterns like El Niño and La Niña also influence global temperatures. Last year featured weak La Niña conditions, which were not strong enough to lower temperatures. However, future forecasts suggest an El Niño is likely to emerge, potentially pushing temperatures even higher.
Some climate models predict 2026 could be as hot as 2025. Both Copernicus and Berkeley Earth expect that by 2029, we may officially cross the 1.5-degree threshold. Burgess warns, “The 2030s will likely see increased extreme weather events and higher associated costs.”
Conclusion
The current trajectory of global warming poses serious risks to our planet. As temperatures rise, the impact on human health, economies, and ecosystems becomes more pronounced. Awareness and action are crucial to address this pressing issue.
