New Extreme Climate Records Reached in 2023, Says World Meteorological Organization
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General, Celeste Saulo, recently presented the WMO’s report on the “2023 Global Climate Situation” at a press conference. According to the report, 2023 experienced unprecedented climate conditions, setting new records for greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean temperature, sea level rise, and glacier retreat.
The report highlighted a series of extreme climatic events such as heat waves, floods, droughts, wildfires, and intensifying tropical cyclones, causing widespread devastation and economic losses amounting to billions of dollars. It was noted that 2023 was the hottest year on record, with the global average near-surface temperature measuring 1.45 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial baseline.
The report also revealed that the ten-year period from 2014 to 2023 was the hottest on record, with the global temperature averaging approximately 1.20 degrees Celsius above the 1850-1900 baseline. Record temperatures were observed globally from June to December in 2023, with September experiencing the largest temperature increase.
Furthermore, the global average sea level in 2023 reached a record high, indicating ongoing ocean warming and glacier melting. The report highlighted the rapid ice loss in key regions such as western North America and Europe, emphasizing the impact on vulnerable populations and the environment.
Extreme climate events had significant socio-economic consequences across all continents, with major floods, tropical cyclones, extreme heat, and drought affecting millions of people. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the urgent need for radical action to tackle climate change, warning of the severe and deadly consequences of inaction.
In response to the report, WMO Secretary-General Saulo called for collective action to address the challenges posed by the climate crisis. Highlighting the threats of food insecurity, human displacement, and biodiversity loss, Saulo emphasized the importance of investing in climate action to mitigate economic losses and protect vulnerable communities. The cost of inaction, Saulo noted, far outweighs the cost of taking proactive measures to combat climate change.
