2025 Could Become One of the Hottest Years Ever Recorded

Global temperatures from January to November 2025 averaged 1.48 degrees Celsius higher than preindustrial levels, according to new data from Copernicus, the European Union’s earth observation programme. The report shows that this year is “virtually certain” to finish as the second or third hottest on record. These findings highlight how climate breakdown continues to push the planet further away from the stable conditions that supported human development. The temperature anomalies recorded so far match those of 2023, which currently ranks just below 2024 as one of the hottest years ever documented.

The world’s governments remain committed to keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. Scientists measure that goal using a 30-year average, allowing for short periods when temperatures temporarily exceed the threshold. Even with that approach, this year’s numbers show the world is edging closer to a long-term overshoot. The data is reinforced by monthly observations that capture how heat is affecting the climate system in real time. “For November, global temperatures were 1.54 °C above preindustrial levels,” said Samantha Burgess, the deputy director of Copernicus Climate Change Service. “The three-year average for 2023-2025 is on track to exceed 1.5C °C for the first time.”

Copernicus confirmed that last month was the third-warmest November ever measured. Northern Canada and the Arctic Ocean recorded notably higher temperatures, adding to concerns about the rapid warming of polar regions. Alongside rising temperatures, the month brought destructive weather events across several continents. Cyclones and major floods hit South and South-East Asia, sweeping away homes and disrupting communities already vulnerable to climate-related disasters. These events reflect the growing link between rising temperatures and increasingly severe weather patterns.

Scientists explain that global warming is accelerating because of the continued build-up of carbon pollution in the atmosphere. This pollution traps heat and intensifies weather extremes, from scorching heatwaves to heavy downpours. While global temperatures naturally fluctuate each year due to factors such as El Niño and La Niña, the long-term trend shows a steady rise. The strong El Niño of 2023 and 2024 raised global heat levels significantly. By contrast, 2025 has shifted into weakly cooling La Niña conditions, yet temperatures remain dangerously high. This indicates how powerful the influence of greenhouse gases has become.

Copernicus found that 2025 is tied with 2023 as the second-hottest year on record. The findings emphasize how quickly climate change is progressing. “These milestones are not abstract,” said Burgess. “They reflect the accelerating pace of climate change, and the only way to mitigate future rising temperatures is to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” Her comments underline the urgent need for stronger global action to cut emissions and protect vulnerable populations.

Why are global temperature records breaking so quickly?

The Paris climate agreement, adopted in 2015, aimed to limit heating by reducing emissions and transitioning the world toward cleaner energy. Although renewable energy has expanded significantly since then, emissions have continued to rise. This increase has fed global warming and intensified climate impacts, including longer heatwaves, stronger storms, and more severe floods. Each year since the agreement was signed, global temperatures have climbed higher, making the climate system increasingly unstable. The Copernicus data aligns with assessments from the World Meteorological Organisation, which warned ahead of the Cop30 summit in Brazil that 2015 to 2025 would likely become the 11 warmest years in a record dating back to 1850.

What does the latest climate data mean for global progress?

According to the WMO secretary general, Celeste Saulo, “We are not on track to meet the goals of the Paris agreement.” She explained that “Other climate indicators continue to sound alarm bells [in 2025], and more extreme weather had major global impacts on economies and all aspects of sustainable development.” These findings show how global warming is already affecting food security, infrastructure, and livelihoods. They also highlight the rising costs of climate inaction.

The combined message from Copernicus and the WMO is clear. The world is entering a period of unprecedented heat, with consequences that will continue to intensify unless emissions fall rapidly. For young adults looking ahead, the data serves as a reminder that climate action is not only a global responsibility but also a critical investment in future stability and safety.

By Lucky Anyanje