The United Nations has warned that global average temperatures are expected to remain at or near record-breaking levels over the next five years, raising fresh concerns about climate change and its devastating global impact.
According to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the world could witness another hottest year on record before 2031. The agency revealed that the 11 warmest years ever recorded have all occurred since 2015, highlighting the accelerating pace of global warming.
Furthermore, the WMO stated there is a 75 per cent chance that the average global temperature between 2026 and 2030 will exceed the critical 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels recorded between 1850 and 1900. Scientists have repeatedly warned that surpassing this benchmark could intensify extreme weather conditions worldwide.
Meanwhile, several parts of western Europe are already experiencing unusually high temperatures caused by a powerful “heat dome.” Countries such as Britain and France recently recorded historic heat levels for May, further strengthening concerns over worsening climate patterns.
The WMO also projected an 86 per cent likelihood that at least one year between 2026 and 2030 will become hotter than 2024, currently regarded as the warmest year ever documented.
Lead author of the WMO’s Global Annual-to-Decadal Update, Leon Hermanson, explained that a possible El Niño event expected towards the end of 2026 could significantly increase the chances of 2027 emerging as the next record-breaking year.
Climate experts continue to urge governments, organisations, and individuals to intensify efforts toward reducing carbon emissions and adopting sustainable environmental practices before conditions worsen further.
