New data from Copernicus and the World Meteorological Organization show the world is close to the 1.5°C limit set by the Paris Agreement. Copernicus reports the global surface air temperature in 2025 was 1.47°C above pre‑industrial times. It also found the average for 2023–2025 exceeded 1.5°C, with 2024 at 1.6°C and 2023 at 1.48°C above pre‑industrial levels.
The WMO put the 2025 global average at 1.44°C above the 1850–1900 average and gave the 2023–2025 average as 1.48°C. Copernicus uses past observations, satellites and computer models, while other datasets use weather stations, ships and buoys.
Experts say more heat, heavy rain and strong tropical cyclones are likely, and they call for early warning systems and urgent action beyond fossil fuels.
Difficult words
- pre-industrial — Time long ago before modern factories and emissionspre‑industrial
- average — A number that shows the usual value
- satellite — A machine in space that takes measurementssatellites
- model — A computer tool that shows possible future eventsmodels
- buoy — A floating instrument in the sea for weather databuoys
- tropical cyclone — A strong storm with wind and heavy raintropical cyclones
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think early warning systems are important where you live? Why or why not?
- What can people do to reduce use of fossil fuels in daily life?
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