The world is witnessing the unprecedented impacts of climate change, with consequences cascading from mountain peaks to ocean depths. Communities, economies, and ecosystems face growing challenges fueled by rising greenhouse gas emissions. Over the past decade, record-breaking temperatures have become the norm, driven largely by human activities, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
In his New Year message, UN Secretary-General António Guterres painted a stark picture of the global climate crisis. “We have just endured a decade of deadly heat,” he said. “The top ten hottest years on record occurred in the last ten years, including 2024. This is climate breakdown in real time.” Guterres emphasized the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy and dramatically reducing emissions to safeguard the planet’s future.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo echoed these sentiments, stating, “Every fraction of a degree of warming matters. It increases climate extremes, impacts, and risks.” She highlighted the devastating effects of climate change witnessed in 2024: record-breaking rainfall, severe flooding, and soaring temperatures that surpassed 50°C in several regions. Events like tropical cyclones and wildfires have left communities reeling, causing immense human and economic losses.
The WMO’s focus in 2025 will include the International Year of Glaciers’ Preservation, co-facilitated by UNESCO. The cryosphere Earth’s frozen regions, including glaciers, sea ice, and permafrost plays a critical role in regulating the global climate. However, these frozen landscapes are melting at an alarming rate, underscoring the need for collective action to preserve them.
To combat the escalating impacts of climate change, WMO has prioritized initiatives like Early Warnings for All, which aim to enhance climate adaptation strategies. These efforts are complemented by the Global Greenhouse Gas Watch, a program designed to monitor and mitigate emissions.
A report by World Weather Attribution and Climate Central revealed that climate change intensified 26 of 29 major weather events in 2024, which collectively claimed thousands of lives and displaced millions. The same study found that climate change contributed an additional 41 days of extreme heat, harming ecosystems and human health.
In December, experts from various international organizations convened at WMO headquarters to develop a coordinated framework for addressing the growing threat of extreme heat. This initiative responds to the UN Secretary-General’s Call to Action and underscores the necessity of international collaboration in tackling climate challenges.
As the WMO marks its 75th anniversary in 2025, its message remains clear: the fight against climate change is a shared responsibility. Governments, organizations, and individuals must unite to reduce emissions, support sustainable practices, and enhance resilience. While the challenges are immense, coordinated global efforts offer a pathway to a safer, more sustainable future.
The urgency of the climate crisis demands immediate action, not just for today’s generation but for the preservation of our planet for generations to come. Every step toward a renewable future matters, and the time to act is now.
