According to the latest prediction issued by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), global mean temperatures are likely to continue at or near record levels in the five-year period 2025-2029. The annually averaged global mean near-surface temperature for each year between 2025 and 2029 is predicted to be between 1.20C and 1.90C higher than the average over the years 1850-1900.
The “WMO Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update 2025-2029” report also states that: i) It is likely (86% chance) that global mean near-surface temperature will exceed 1.5°C above the 1850-1900 average levels for at least one year between 2025 and 2029. ii) It is also likely (70% chance) that the 2025-2029 five-year mean will exceed 1.50C above the 1850-1900 average. iii) It is likely (80% chance) that at least one year between 2025 and 2029 will be warmer than the warmest year on record (currently 2024) and although exceptionally unlikely, there is now also a chance (1%) of at least one year exceeding 20C of warming in the next five years. iv) Long-term warming (averaged over decades) remains below 1.50C.
Obviously, now the question is what are the steps that countries can take to combat the situation? Although not new – still some yet to be seriously followed steps include: i) Strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) that involves enhancing national climate action plans under the Paris Agreement to achieve more ambitious greenhouse gas emission reductions and adaptation measures; ii) Accelerating Renewable Energy Transition, which means scaling up renewable energy production, improving energy storage, and decarbonizing sectors dependent on fossil fuels. Although 2025 is a significant year, in the sense, in this year in some regions, renewable energy sources have surpassed thermal power production, still, we need to go further; iii) Enhancing Climate Resilience, which means preparing for, and adapting to, the impacts of climate change; iv) Promoting Sustainable Practices, which means encouraging and implementing environmentally friendly behaviours and policies across various sectors; and v) The most significant thing that we need to do is enhancing International Cooperation. Will we walk in that direction?
Pravita Iyer
Publisher & Director
