Relevance: GS Paper III – Environment & Climate Change
Source: World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the year 2025 is projected to be the second or third warmest year ever recorded, continuing the pattern of record-high global temperatures since 2015. The rise is attributed to greenhouse gas accumulation, El Niño effects, and persistent ocean heat storage.

Key Concept – Global Warming

Global Warming refers to the long-term increase in Earth’s average surface temperature due to the trapping of heat by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide.

  • The global average temperature in 2025 is projected to be around 1.4°C above pre-industrial levels, close to the Paris Agreement threshold of 1.5°C.
  • Oceans have absorbed nearly 90% of excess heat, intensifying extreme weather events.

Main Causes and Evidence

Causes

Supporting Data / Source
Rising Greenhouse Gas emissions Global CO₂ levels reached record highs in 2024–25 (WMO)
Ocean heat and sea-level rise Ocean heat content at its highest since 1958
Melting polar ice & glaciers Arctic sea ice extent declining ~13% per decade
El Niño phenomenon Amplifying global temperature spikes

Impacts of Warming

Sector

Major Impacts
Climate & Weather Frequent heatwaves, cyclones, and floods
Agriculture Lower crop yields, soil degradation
Biodiversity Coral bleaching, species extinction
Human Health Heat stress, vector-borne diseases
Economy Damage to infrastructure, higher adaptation costs

Global Efforts, Challenges & Way Ahead

Current Efforts

 Challenges

Way Ahead
Paris Agreement – Global target to limit warming to 1.5°C Emission reduction pledges remain insufficient Strengthen climate commitments (Nationally Determined Contributions)
Renewable Energy Transition Continued dependence on fossil fuels Scale up clean energy and green finance
Early Warning Systems under WMO Limited reach in developing regions Expand data-sharing and community preparedness

One-line Wrap: The WMO’s 2025 projection reinforces that global warming is accelerating, demanding urgent global cooperation to meet climate goals and safeguard planetary systems.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question

With reference to global warming, consider the following statements:

  1. Oceans absorb most of the excess heat generated by greenhouse gases.
  2. The WMO projects 2025 to exceed the 1.5°C threshold permanently.
  3. El Niño contributes to temporary spikes in global temperature.

Which of the above statements are correct?
 (a) 1 and 2 only
 (b) 2 and 3 only
 (c) 1 and 3 only
 (d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (c)

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