In the global competition for the hottest year observed by humans, 2025 narrowly missed the top spot, landing in third place. According to the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF), the year registered a temperature 1.47 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial benchmark period. This ranking places 2025 just 0.13 degrees cooler than the hottest year on record, 2024, and a mere 0.01 degrees lower than 2023.
Florian Pappenberger, the director general of ECMWF, expressed concern over this outcome, emphasizing the worrying implications not only for their organization but for all concerned parties. Collaborating entities such as Berkeley Earth and the UK Met Office also confirmed 2025 as the third warmest year globally, despite slight variations in temperature readings.
While securing third place may seem less alarming, experts underscore that the year was marked by hazardous and fatal conditions for millions worldwide. Senior climate scientist Fahad Saeed noted that regional temperature records were shattered, even if 2025 did not clinch the top position.
Europe experienced its third warmest year in 2025, with soaring summer temperatures affecting cities like Barcelona and the United Kingdom. The rise in extreme heat has been linked to climate change, leading to over 1,500 deaths in Europe alone, highlighting the deadly consequences of global warming.
In Canada, a string of heatwaves across various regions, from British Columbia to the Atlantic provinces, was determined to be increasingly influenced by climate change. Furthermore, northwest Africa and parts of central Asia faced unprecedented heat levels, posing significant challenges for residents.
The scorching conditions in Senegal drew attention to the plight of individuals, particularly women and children, who bore the brunt of the intense heat. Environmental activist Khady Camara highlighted the struggles faced by communities in rural areas, where lack of access to water and extreme temperatures took a toll on daily life.
Unusual heatwaves also struck typically cooler regions like Tajikistan, causing disruptions and health issues. The impact of climate change was evident in the melting of glaciers and the adverse effects on communities residing in mountainous areas.
While 2025 was influenced by a weak La Niña pattern, experts warn of a potential shift towards El Niño, which could lead to further warming. The urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions remains paramount to mitigate the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events in the future.
The push towards renewable energy sources signals a positive step in the fight against climate change. However, experts emphasize the need for accelerated action to phase out fossil fuels and transition to sustainable energy practices to combat the escalating threats posed by global warming.