The World Meteorological Organization State of the Global Climate report confirms that the year 2023 broke every single climate indicator. It was by far the warmest year on record. The global average temperature in 2023 was 1.45 ± 0.12 °C above the 1850–1900 average.
Never have we been so close – albeit on a temporary basis – to the 1.5° C lower limit of
the Paris Agreement on climate change. Concentrations of greenhouse gases continued
to rise. Ocean heat content and sea level reached record observed highs, and the rate of increase is accelerating. Antarctic sea ice extent hit record observed lows. Key glaciers suffered record losses.
The climate crisis is the defining challenge that humanity faces.
Heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires and intense tropical cyclones wreaked havoc on every continent and caused huge socio-economic losses. There were particularly devastating consequences for vulnerable populations who suffer disproportionate impacts.
Extreme climate conditions exacerbated humanitarian crises, with millions experiencing acute food insecurity and hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes.
WMO is committed to stepping up collaboration with the international community to confront the enormity of this challenge.
WMO and its Members are expanding life-saving early warning services to achieve the
ground-breaking Early Warnings For All initiative. A new Global Greenhouse Gas Watch seeks to provide scientifically-based information for climate change mitigation. The transition to renewable energy must be supported by tailor-made weather and climate services.
To succeed, it is imperative to leverage efforts across the entire value chain—from improving climate data and monitoring, strengthening prediction and projections, and building capacity.
We must make climate information more accessible and actionable to serve society.
I hope this report will raise awareness of the vital need to scale up the urgency and ambition of climate action.
I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank the experts and lead authors who compiled this report. I extend my gratitude to all the contributors, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and Regional Climate Centres and United Nations agencies.
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