A Warming World: Insights from the WMO Update for COP30

The 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) took place from 10 to 21 November in Belém, Brazil. This year’s COP addressed topics such as energy transition, oceans and biodiversity, agriculture and food systems, building resilience for cities, and fostering human and social development. 

In preparation for the COP30, the World Meteorological Organization published an update on the current state of the global climate, combining consolidated data for the year 2024 with preliminary data for 2025 to date. It draws on WMO reports and contributions from partner institutions. 

Earth’s Warming Trend Remains Off Track

The overall findings indicate that the world remains far off track to meet the Paris Agreement goals. Greenhouse gas concentrations reached record observed levels in 2024, with measurements from key stations indicating further increases in 2025. Global mean near-surface temperatures from January to August of this year were 1.42°C above pre-industrial levels, positioning 2025 to become the second or third warmest year on record. The past 11 years from 2015 will all be the warmest ever recorded, reflecting persistent warming driven by long-term emissions and compounded by recent El Niño conditions. 

Accelerating Changes in the Earth System

The report highlights accelerating changes in the Earth’s cryosphere and oceans. Ocean heat content reached a new record in 2024, with 2025 showing continued warming. This is a sign that the planet remains in significant energy imbalance. Sea level rise continues its long-term acceleration, and glaciers experienced the largest annual mass loss ever recorded. Extremes intensified across regions, with severe floods, heatwaves, droughts, wildfires and tropical storms causing significant loss of life, displacement, and damage to food systems. Events such as the Texas floods, California wildfires, Mediterranean heatwaves, monsoon floods in South Asia, and multiple cyclones in Mozambique illustrate the cascading humanitarian and development impacts of climate extremes. 

Strengthening Resilience and Early Warning Capacity

The findings underscore the importance of urgent, collective action to tackle the acceleration of global climate action, and early warning systems remains a crucial component in ensuring safety. Important progress in climate services and early warning systems is being made, with the number of countries with multi-hazard early warning systems has doubled since 2015, though 40% of countries still lack such systems, highlighting the urgent need for investment in forecasting, observations, and risk communication. Strengthening resilience and preparedness will be critical as climate impacts continue to intensify.

To read the full report by the WMO, click here.

To learn more about COP30, click here.