In 2023, the Earth recorded its hottest year ever, marking the end of the decade from 2014 to 2023 as the warmest in history, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The UN agency released its annual climate report on Tuesday, warning that the planet is on the brink of a crisis due to rising global temperatures.
The melting rate of glaciers reached a record high last year, with more than 90 percent of oceans experiencing heat waves at some point during the year. This unprecedented ocean warming, loss of Antarctic sea ice, and retreating glaciers are particularly concerning, with severe negative consequences expected for marine ecosystems and coral reefs.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the report as a “red alert” for the world, stressing that climate change goes beyond just rising temperatures. He warned that pollution from fossil fuels is causing increasing climate chaos and sending an emergency message for global action.
Andrea Celeste Saulo, head of the WMO, underscored that addressing climate change requires urgent action. The organization’s report serves as a wake-up call for global action to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the planet for future generations.
