In a new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), it is noted that the global climate has entered a period of unprecedented instability. Greenhouse gas concentrations have reached record levels, oceans continue to warm actively, and ice cover is rapidly diminishing.
According to the report, the years 2015–2025 have been the hottest in recorded history, and 2025 is likely to rank second or third in temperature records. Last year, air temperature was 1.43 degrees Celsius higher than the levels recorded during the pre-industrial period of 1850–1900.
The world's oceans, which absorb more than 91% of excess heat, have recorded a record increase in temperature.
Over the past two decades, the ocean has been accumulating energy equivalent to 18 years of total energy consumption by humanity each year. Almost 90% of the ocean's surface experienced at least one marine heatwave in 2025.
Ice cover continues to melt rapidly: in 2025, Arctic sea ice reached its lowest level, while Antarctica recorded the third lowest level in the history of satellite observations. Massive glacier loss is observed in Iceland and along the Pacific coast of North America.
The level of the world's oceans continues to rise, and it is currently 11 centimeters higher than in 1993, when satellite measurements began. Experts emphasize that these changes will continue for centuries, and changes in deep ocean temperature and acidity will be irreversible for millennia.
Discussion Topics February 2026 in Bishkek became the warmest in the history of meteorological observations
In this report, the WMO presented for the first time the indicator of Earth's energy imbalance — the difference between incoming solar energy and thermal radiation. This imbalance has reached its highest value in 65 years of observations.
Extreme weather conditions in 2025, such as droughts, storms, floods, and wildfires, resulted in thousands of casualties, millions affected, and billions in economic losses. The report also notes an increase in food insecurity, rising migration, and worsening public health, including the spread of dengue fever and increased heat stress.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated: "In the context of modern wars, climate change underscores our dependence on fossil fuels, which negatively impacts both the climate and global security. This report serves as a warning: climate chaos is intensifying, and delay could cost lives."
