Global Temperatures Set to Soar in 2026

A recent report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that 2026 is likely to be one of the four hottest years on record. The report, to be presented at the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, Turkey, states that the global temperature is currently 1.47°C above pre-industrial levels. This increase is attributed to the El Niño phenomenon, which is expected to intensify and contribute to a rise in global temperatures.

The report is based on nine internationally recognized data sets, which have confirmed that the last four years (2023-2026) have been the hottest on record. The WMO report also notes that the El Niño phenomenon is expected to continue until early 2027, which will likely lead to a further increase in global temperatures. This has raised concerns among climate experts, who warn that the world is entering a new era of extreme climate events.

The report highlights the urgent need for action to address climate change, citing the devastating impacts of rising temperatures, sea-level rise, and extreme weather events. According to the report, the past year has seen record-breaking temperatures, with June, July, and August experiencing the highest sea-level rise since 1993. The report also notes that glaciers have lost over 400 gigatons of ice in 2025, contributing to sea-level rise.

The WMO report also warns of the health impacts of climate change, citing an increased risk of mortality related to air pollution, malnutrition, and food insecurity. The report notes that the El Niño phenomenon is expected to act as a "risk multiplier" for health, with rising temperatures, drought, and heavy rainfall contributing to the spread of diseases such as cholera, malaria, and dengue fever.

The report emphasizes the need for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impacts of climate change. According to the report, the concentration of carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere has reached a new high, with a 53% and 167% increase since 1750, respectively. This has significant implications for global climate goals, including the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2°C and pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C.

The WMO report has been endorsed by the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, who has warned of the devastating impacts of climate change. Guterres has called for urgent action to address the crisis, citing the need for a "rapid and sustained" reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The report's findings have significant implications for global climate policy and highlight the need for urgent action to address the climate crisis.

The final report, "State of the Global Climate 2026," will be published in March 2027 and will incorporate scientific contributions from dozens of national meteorological and hydrological services, regional climate centers, UN partners, and WMO experts. The report's findings will provide critical insights into the impacts of climate change and inform global efforts to address the crisis.

Key points

• The global temperature is currently 1.47°C above pre-industrial levels and is expected to rise further due to the El Niño phenomenon.