Global Warming Set To Intensify Through 2030, UN Report Warns

GENEVA-Global temperatures are likely to remain at or near record highs over the next five years, with the Arctic warming significantly faster than the global average, according to a new report released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

The report, titled ‘Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update 2026-2035’, was produced by the United Kingdom’s Met Office and the WMO Lead Centre for Annual to Decadal Climate Prediction with contributions from 13 international institutes.

According to the report, annual global mean near-surface temperatures between 2026 and 2030 are expected to range between 1.3 and 1.9 degrees Celsius above the 1850-1900 average.

The report stated that at least one year during the 2026-2030 period is likely to surpass 2024 as the warmest year on record. It also projected that the average global temperature during the five-year period will likely exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Arctic temperatures during the next five northern hemisphere winters are predicted to be about 2.8 degrees Celsius above the 1991-2020 average, warming at a rate more than three times higher than the global average.

Scientists also pointed to a likely return of El Nino conditions in the coming years, particularly in 2027 and 2028.

Leon Hermanson, lead author of the report, said, “There is an El Nino predicted for the end of 2026, which increases the chances of the following year, 2027, being the next record-breaking year.” (IANS)