Think it’s hot now? The next five years will smash records, UN says

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day, reviewed by our editorial team. Read the full piece on the Associated Press or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news:  The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) projects that the next five years are likely to exceed the 1.5°C warming threshold set by the Paris Agreement, with a 75% probability for the global average temperature to surpass pre-industrial levels
• Individual years could also break the record for the hottest year, with 2027 expected to exceed 2024’s record

🔭 The context: The projections combine around 200 computer simulations from 13 climate models worldwide, highlighting accelerating warming trends
• A strong El Niño is expected to amplify global temperatures through 2028, while the Arctic is warming 3.5 times faster than the global average due to ice and snow loss

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Exceeding 1.5°C will intensify extreme weather events, including heatwaves, droughts, floods, and wildfires
• Amazon drying could reduce its carbon absorption and increase fire risks, while global food systems and water resources face mounting stress
• Warming of the Arctic further amplifies climate feedback loops, accelerating ice melt and sea-level rise

⏭️ What’s next: The report underscores the urgent need for deep emissions reductions
• Policymakers, city planners, and agricultural systems are urged to prepare for more extreme conditions, while global climate mitigation efforts remain insufficient to prevent these near-term impacts

💬 One quote: “Despite progress, global heating is still outpacing global efforts to contain it… every nation is already paying a huge price from this global climate crisis.” — UN Climate Chief Simon Stiell

📈 One stat: Arctic winters from 2026–2030 are projected to average 2.8°C (5.1°F) warmer than the 2020–2025 period

Track the real‑world impact behind the sustainability headlines. Illuminem’s Data Hub™ offers transparent performance data and climate targets of companies driving the transition.

Click for more news covering the latest on climate change and subscribe to our newsletter for the stories shaping the future of sustainability.