Global climate in ‘state of emergency’ as energy imbalance reaches record high: WMO report

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2 min readUpdated: Mar 23, 2026 12:28 PM ISTThe rising concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases to their maximum level in at least 800,000 years have upset this energy balance on earth. (File Photo/Representational)The global climate is in a state of emergency as the earth is dealing with a record energy imbalance, the World Meteorological Ogranization (WMO) said in a report on Monday.In its State of the Global Climate report 2025, WMO said that every key climate indicator is raising alarms and that the years from 2015 to 2025 have been the hottest 11 years. it also mentioned that 2025 was the second or third hottest year on record, at about 1.43 °C above the 1850-1900 average.UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: “The State of the Global Climate is in a state of emergency. Planet Earth is being pushed beyond its limits. Every key climate indicator is flashing red,” said The 2025 report for the first time included the earth’s energy imbalance as one of the key climate indicators.According to WMO, Earth’s energy balance measures the rate at which energy coming in and leaves the Earth system. Under a stable climate, energy received by the earth from the sun is almost the same as the amount of outgoing energy.However, rising concentrations of atmospheric greenhouse gases — carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide — to their maximum level in at least 800,000 years have upset this energy equilibrium on earthHere are the alarming points the report mentions:2015–2025 were the hottest eleven years on recordThe Ocean heat content (to a depth of 2,000 metres) in 2025 rose to the highest level since the start of records in 1960The global mean sea level was comparable to record-high levels in 2024The ocean absorbed around 29% of CO2 released from human activities between 2015–2024. This led to the continued decline in ocean surface pH. Global average ocean surface pH has declined over the past 41 yearsGlacier mass loss from reference glaciers in 2024/2025 hydrological year was among the five worst on recordThe annual average Arctic sea-ice extent for 2025 went down to be the lowest or second lowest on record in the satellite era (1979). Now, the average Antarctic sea-ice extent for 2025 was the third lowest after 2023 and 2024The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:global warmingAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...