WMO: Earth Absorbing Excess Heat, Global Temperature at Risk of Breaking Record
REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NEW YORK — The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that Earth is now absorbing more heat than it releases. This condition increases the risk of global temperatures breaking records again in the near future.
This phenomenon is triggered by the accumulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, which trap heat in the atmosphere. The effects are evident in the continuously warming oceans and the increasingly melting polar ice.
The WMO recorded the highest level of energy imbalance last year. This condition indicates that the heat entering from the Sun is greater than that reflected back into space.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stated that this situation must be addressed quickly through an energy transition. “Planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits; every key climate indicator is showing danger signs,” Guterres said, as quoted from BBC, Tuesday (24/3/2026).
He emphasised the need to shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy to maintain climate stability and global security. WMO data shows that the last 11 years have been the warmest period since temperature records began in 1850. The global temperature in 2025 was recorded at around 1.43 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial era.
La Niña temporarily held back the temperature rise in 2025, but the year still ranked among the three hottest in history. Scientists predict that the next El Niño will once again drive a surge in global temperatures.
“If we shift to El Niño, we will see an increase in global temperatures again, and it has the potential to set new records,” said John Kennedy.
The WMO assesses that the rate of global warming is now accelerating. Nevertheless, the current temperature level remains within long-term scientific projections.
More than 90 per cent of the excess heat is absorbed by the oceans. This condition triggers damage to marine ecosystems, increases storm intensity, and accelerates sea level rise.
The WMO recorded that ocean heat down to a depth of 2 kilometres reached its highest level last year. In the last two decades, the rate of ocean warming has even doubled compared to the end of the 20th century.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said that human activities are the main factor disrupting the climate system. “Human activities are increasingly disrupting the natural balance, and we will live with these consequences for hundreds to thousands of years,” said Saulo.
The current carbon dioxide level is said to be at its highest in more than two million years. This condition strengthens the ongoing global warming trend.
The impacts of climate change are also evident from the increasing extreme weather and the spread of diseases. Extreme heatwaves in the southwestern United States even reached more than 40 degrees Celsius, far above average.
Scientists’ analysis shows that such extreme heat conditions would be almost impossible without the influence of climate change due to human activities.
The WMO predicts that El Niño could form in the second half of 2026. This phenomenon could push global temperatures higher until 2027.