Last year was hot. Next year will be even hotter

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Europe experienced one of its hottest years on record in 2025, with up to 99% of the continent recording above-average temperatures, as scientists warn that a powerful El Niño could push global temperatures even higher in the coming years

🔭 The context: According to the World Meteorological Organization and the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, 2025 brought extreme heatwaves, record wildfires, glacier loss, and drought across Europe
• Sea temperatures hit record highs for the fourth consecutive year, while glaciers continued to shrink rapidly
• Europe has now warmed by about 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels, significantly faster than the global average

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Europe’s accelerated warming highlights how climate change impacts are uneven and intensifying regionally, amplifying risks such as wildfires, water scarcity, and ecosystem collapse
• The expected El Niño could further exacerbate global warming, pushing temperatures and climate extremes to new records

⏭️ What’s next: Scientists expect a potentially strong El Niño to develop, likely making 2026–2027 among the hottest years ever recorded
• Policymakers are under increasing pressure to accelerate adaptation and resilience measures alongside emissions reductions

💬 One quote: “The fact that Europe is warming twice as fast as other continents is worrying.” — Dušan Chrenek

📈 One stat: Europe has warmed by ~2.5°C since pre-industrial times, compared to a global average of about 1.4°C

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