The WMO State of the Global Climate 2023 report reveals that extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires, and tropical cyclones have caused widespread damage and economic losses in the millions. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that these events are not just breaking records, but they are also happening at an alarming rate.
The findings, based on data from multiple agencies, confirm that 2023 was the warmest year on record, with the global average near-surface temperature at 1.45°C above the pre-industrial baseline. It also marks the warmest ten-year period ever recorded.
During the report’s presentation, WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the need for immediate action to address climate change for the sake of future generations. She urged leaders to prioritize the welfare of future generations over short-term economic interests.
However, the report also highlights that climate change is not just about air temperatures. It also includes unprecedented ocean warmth, sea level rise, glacier retreat, and Antarctic sea ice loss. The report reveals that nearly one third of the ocean surface experienced a marine heatwave in 2023, causing harm to vital ecosystems and food systems. It also notes extreme melting in glaciers, particularly in western North America and Europe, and a significant loss of Antarctic sea ice.
Preliminary data shows that concentrations of greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, reached record levels in 2022 and continued to increase in 2023. The report also links extreme weather and climate events to displacement, food insecurity, biodiversity loss, and health issues. For example, the number of people facing acute food insecurity has more than doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Despite the alarming findings, the report also offers some reasons for optimism. In 2023, renewable energy capacity saw a significant increase, with a 50% surge in renewable energy generation. This has positioned renewable energy as a leading force in mitigating climate change.
The report also stresses the importance of effective early warning systems in mitigating disaster impacts. The Early Warnings for All initiative aims to ensure universal protection through early warning systems by 2027. Additionally, there has been an increase in the development and implementation of local disaster risk reduction strategies since the adoption of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
The report also highlights the need for increased climate finance to achieve the goals of the 1.5°C pathway. While global climate-related finance flows nearly doubled from 2019-2020 levels, it still only amounts to about 1% of global GDP. The report calls for a sixfold increase in annual climate finance investments to achieve the 1.5°C pathway, with an additional $10 trillion needed by 2050.
The report warns that the cost of inaction is staggering, with potential losses reaching $1,266 trillion between 2025 and 2100. This underscores the need for immediate climate action. The report is released ahead of the Copenhagen Climate Ministerial meeting, where leaders and ministers will gather to push for accelerated climate action and an ambitious agreement on financing at COP29 later this year.