UN Warns of Climate Extremes as 2026 Heat Soars
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the world has entered a new era of climate extremes, urging governments to accelerate action against global warming. His warning on Monday, November 9, coincided with the opening of the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Türkiye, and the release of new findings showing that 2026 is among the hottest years on record.
UN Warns of Rising Global Temperatures at COP31
Guterres cautioned that an exceptionally powerful El Niño weather phenomenon was combining with human-induced climate change to intensify extreme weather events.
He urged world leaders to accelerate greenhouse gas emission reductions, support a fair transition away from fossil fuels and provide greater financial assistance to vulnerable countries.
The UN chief emphasised that communities contributing least to global emissions were often suffering the greatest consequences of climate change.
WMO Says 2026 Among Four Hottest Years on Record
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that global average surface temperatures between January and September 2026 were approximately 1.47°C above pre-industrial levels.
The agency expects 2026 to rank among the four warmest years recorded, continuing a period in which the past 12 years have been the hottest on record.
WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo warned that the developing El Niño could intensify heatwaves, tropical cyclones and heavy rainfall well into 2027.
The report also highlighted record ocean temperatures, rising sea levels and continued glacier retreat.
COP31 Climate Summit Focuses on Emissions and Finance
The COP31 summit in Türkiye is bringing together governments to discuss emissions reductions, climate adaptation and financial assistance for developing nations.
The WMO highlighted improvements in early warning systems, with 136 countries operating essential multi-hazard warning arrangements in 2025, compared with 55 in 2015.
However, officials stressed that stronger forecasting infrastructure and international cooperation remain essential as climate-related risks increase worldwide.
