The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has declared that 2023 was the warmest year on record.
This unprecedented rise in temperature, reaching nearly 1.5° Celsius above pre-industrial levels, is a critical marker in the context of the Paris Agreement's climate change objectives.
The data, consolidated from six major international datasets, underscores the escalating impact of global warming.
Disturbing climatic milestone
The annual average global temperature increase in 2023 was 1.45 ±0.12 °C above the baseline period of 1850-1900.
This alarming statistic was further compounded by the fact that each month from June to December set new temperature records.
The months of July and August were notably the hottest ever recorded.
WMO secretary-general Professor Celeste Saulo underscored the gravity of the situation, stating, “Climate change is the biggest challenge that humanity faces.
"It is affecting all of us, especially the most vulnerable.
"We cannot afford to wait any longer.
"We are already taking action but we have to do more and we have to do it quickly. We have to make drastic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources.”
Influence of El Niño
The shift from cooling La Niña to warming El Niño in 2023 significantly contributed to the temperature increase.
Prof Saulo added, “The shift from cooling La Niña to warming El Niño by the middle of 2023 is clearly reflected in the rise in temperature from last year.
Given that El Niño usually has the biggest impact on global temperatures after it peaks, 2024 could be even hotter.”
The past decades have shown a consistent warming trend, the last nine years have been the warmest on record, with 2016 and 2020 previously holding the top spots.
The 10-year average from 2014 to 2023 was 1.20 ±0.12°C above the 19th-century average, indicating a sustained upward trajectory in global temperatures.
UN's urgent call to action
Emphasising the need for immediate action, UN secretary-general António Guterres said, “Humanity’s actions are scorching the Earth. 2023 was a mere preview of the catastrophic future that awaits if we don’t act now.
"We must respond to record-breaking temperature rises with path-breaking action.
"We can still avoid the worst of climate catastrophe. But only if we act now with the ambition required to limit the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius and deliver climate justice.”
The WMO's provisional State of the Global Climate in 2023 report highlighted widespread climatic changes, including unprecedented sea surface temperatures and record-low Antarctic sea ice extent.
These indicators reflect the far-reaching effects of climate change, manifesting in extreme weather events that impact global health, economies and ecosystems.
Paris agreement goals
The Paris Agreement's objective to limit global warming to well below 2°C, and ideally to 1.5°C, above pre-industrial levels remains a critical benchmark.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has noted increased climate-related risks even at a 1.5 °C increase.
The WMO and UK Met Office study indicates a 66% chance of exceeding the 1.5°C mark for at least one year between 2023 and 2027, highlighting the urgent need for sustained climate action.