UN agency raises alarm over rising global heat levels

The United Nations weather agency has warned that global temperatures are expected to remain dangerously high over the next five years, with the possibility of new heat records being set before 2031.

In a fresh climate outlook released on Wednesday, the World Meteorological Organization said there is a strong likelihood that at least one year between 2026 and 2030 will surpass the current record for the hottest year ever recorded.

Scientists linked the trend to continued greenhouse gas emissions and the warming effects caused by human activity.

The report, prepared in collaboration with the UK Met Office, projected that the average global temperature during the period could remain more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre industrial levels.

Climate experts warned that the development could worsen extreme weather events across many parts of the world, including heatwaves, droughts, flooding and stronger storms.

The agency also noted that a return of the El Niño weather phenomenon in the coming years could further raise global temperatures.

WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett said the world was moving deeper into dangerous climate territory.

“These forecasts paint no sign of respite over the coming years and this means that there will be a growing negative impact on our economies, our daily lives, our ecosystems and our planet,” Barrett said.

The organisation urged governments to intensify efforts aimed at cutting carbon emissions and strengthening climate adaptation measures.

Recent years have witnessed record breaking temperatures across continents, with scientists repeatedly warning that global climate goals are becoming harder to achieve without urgent action.