The world has experienced a “decade of deadly heat”, the head of the UN says, as he urged countries to “exit this road to ruin”.
UN secretary general Antonio Guterres said the top ten hottest years on record had occurred in the past decade and warned the world was witnessing “climate breakdown in real time”.
“We must exit this road to ruin – and we have no time to lose,” he said in his New Year’s message.
“In 2025, countries must put the world on a safer path by dramatically slashing emissions, and supporting the transition to a renewable future. It is essential – and it is possible.”
He also said that hope has been “hard to find” in 2024, but that the world could make 2025 a “new beginning”.
Reflecting on a year dominated by two major wars, in the Middle East and in Ukraine, he said conflicts were causing “enormous pain, suffering and displacement”.
An activist holds a sign that reads 1.5 degrees during a demonstration at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Pic: AP
However, he issued a message of hope.
“Even in the darkest days, I’ve seen hope power change,” Mr Guterres said.
“I see hope in activists, young and old, raising their voices for progress. I see hope in humanitarian heroes overcoming enormous obstacles to support the most vulnerable people.
“I see hope in developing countries fighting for financial and climate justice. I see hope in the scientists and innovators breaking new ground for humanity.”
Looking ahead to next year, he said: “There are no guarantees for what’s ahead in 2025, but I pledge to stand with all those who are working to forge a more peaceful, equal, stable and healthy future for all people.
“Together we can make 2025 a new beginning, not as a world divided, but as nations united.”
Mr Guterres’ climate warning comes after a year of more record-breaking heat.
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This year is set to become the hottest on record, surpassing the previous high in 2023, according to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service.
July also saw the hottest day on record, and then saw that record broken the following day, when the world’s average surface air temperature reached 17.15C (62.87F).
July saw the hottest day on record. Pic: Copernicus
Then that record was broken the following day. Pic: Copernicus
This year is on course to be at least 1.5C hotter than pre-industrial times, before humans started burning fossil fuels at scale, and 2023 was 1.45C warmer.
And scientists have already predicted next year’s global average temperature is likely to be the third-highest on record – going back to 1850 – after 2024 in the top spot and 2023 in second place, according to the Met Office.
Countries are trying to limit global warming to no more than 2C, and ideally 1.5C, above pre-industrial levels.
This is the goal they signed up to under the landmark 2015 Paris Agreement and is one of the things they try to achieve via their annual COP climate summits.
