2025 Set to Be the World’s 2nd or 3rd-Warmest Year on Record

On 9th December 2025, the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) announced that this year is likely to rank as the second or third-warmest year ever recorded, surpassed only by the unprecedented heat of 2024.

Key Points

Near-Record Heat: C3S data indicates 2025 will be among the hottest years on record, reflecting continued global warming trends despite natural temperature fluctuations.
Post-COP30 Concern: The findings follow the COP30 summit, where countries failed to agree on major new emissions-cutting measures amid geopolitical strains, reduced U.S. climate efforts, and attempts by some nations to weaken CO₂ commitments.
1.5°C Threshold: This year likely completes the first three-year period where global average temperatures exceeded 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, marking a significant climate milestone.
Extreme Weather Events: 2025 saw deadly climate-linked disasters: Typhoon Kalmaegi caused over 200 deaths in the Philippines, while Spain experienced its worst wildfires in 30 years.
Long-Term Warming Trend: Scientists confirm that rising greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel use are the primary driver of long-term global warming.
Decade of Heat: The last 10 years have been the warmest decade since temperature records began, according to the World Meteorological Organization.
Paris Agreement Context: While the 1.5°C target refers to multi-decadal averages and is not yet technically breached, the U.N. has warned that the goal is no longer realistically achievable and urges faster CO₂ reductions to limit overshoot.