By AI WRITER
Human activities exacerbating climate change led to 2025 being ranked as one of the top three hottest years on record, according to scientists.
This year marked the first time that the three-year average temperature surpassed the threshold outlined in the 2015 Paris Agreement, aiming to limit global warming to no more than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) since the preindustrial era. Experts emphasize that staying below this limit could potentially save lives and prevent catastrophic environmental damage worldwide.
Research conducted by World Weather Attribution researchers, unveiled in Europe, highlighted a year filled with extreme weather events due to a warming planet.
Despite the presence of a La Nina, which typically cools Pacific Ocean waters affecting global weather patterns, temperatures remained high. The continuous burning of fossil fuels such as oil, gas, and coal is identified as a major contributor to the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
According to Friederike Otto, co-founder of World Weather Attribution and a climate scientist at Imperial College London, urgent action is needed to reduce fossil fuel consumption to achieve the warming goal. She emphasized, “The science is becoming increasingly clear.”
2025 Extremes
Severe weather events claim thousands of lives and result in billions of dollars in damages annually.
World Weather Attribution scientists identified 157 extreme weather events as the most severe in 2025, meeting specific criteria such as high death tolls, impacting over half of a region’s population, or prompting a state of emergency. Among these, 22 events were closely studied.
This included deadly heat waves, which were identified as the deadliest extreme weather events globally in 2025. Researchers noted that some of the heat waves observed this year were ten times more likely to occur compared to a decade ago, attributed to climate change.
“The heat waves witnessed this year are events that can commonly occur in our current climate, but their intensity would have been nearly impossible without human-induced climate change,” Otto stated. “This distinction is significant.”
Furthermore, prolonged drought conditions led to devastating wildfires in Greece and Turkey. Torrential rains and flooding in Mexico resulted in numerous casualties and missing persons. Super Typhoon Fung-wong battered the Philippines, forcing over a million individuals to evacuate. Monsoon rains caused widespread flooding and landslides in India.
The escalating frequency and severity of extreme weather events pose a threat to the ability of millions of individuals worldwide to adequately respond and adapt to such situations, as highlighted in the World Weather Attribution report. The scientists refer to this challenge as the “limits of adaptation.” For instance, Hurricane Melissa intensified rapidly, making forecasting and preparedness more challenging. The storm inflicted severe damage on Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti, overwhelming the small island nations.
Global Climate Negotiations Status
The recent United Nations climate conference in Brazil concluded without a clear strategy to transition away from fossil fuels. While additional funds were pledged to aid countries in adapting to climate change, the process is expected to take more time.
Experts, officials, and analysts acknowledge that global temperatures are likely to exceed the 1.5 degrees Celsius threshold, but some remain optimistic about the possibility of reversing this trend.
Progress varies among different nations. China is rapidly embracing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, alongside continued investments in coal. In Europe, the increasing frequency of extreme weather events has spurred calls for climate action, although some nations express concerns about the impact on economic growth. Meanwhile, the U.S. has shifted away from clean energy policies under the Trump administration, favoring measures supporting coal, oil, and gas.
Otto remarked, “This year’s geopolitical climate is murky, with policymakers prioritizing the interests of the fossil fuel industry over their populations. The prevalence of misinformation further complicates the situation.”
Andrew Kruczkiewicz, a senior researcher at the Columbia University Climate School, highlighted the unprecedented nature of disasters occurring globally. He stressed the need for advanced warning systems and innovative approaches to disaster response and recovery.
“While progress is being made on a global scale,” he added, “further actions are imperative.”
AI Writer is an automated climate reporting system. For more updates on climate-related news, follow our Twitter handle: @ai_climate. Contact us at contact@aiwriter.com.
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This climate and environmental report by The Associated Press is supported by various private foundations. The content is the sole responsibility of AP. To learn more about AP’s standards for collaboration with philanthropic organizations, view the guidelines at AP.org.
