UN warns next five years could be hottest on record

The United Nations issued a warning on May 28 that the world is likely to experience its hottest five-year period on record between 2026 and 2030. According to a new decadal climate outlook by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), there is a 75% probability that average global temperatures over the next five years will exceed pre-industrial levels by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius. The report, prepared with input from the United Kingdom’s national meteorological service, also states there is an 86% chance that at least one year between 2026 and 2030 will become the hottest ever recorded, surpassing the current record set in 2024. This follows Britain’s recent record-breaking May temperatures, with London reaching 35.1 degrees Celsius during a heatwave. Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events across Europe and other regions to climate change. The WMO’s outlook underscores the urgent need for global action to mitigate rising temperatures and their devastating impacts. The warning comes as part of broader efforts to address long-term climate trends and their consequences. Governments and organizations are being urged to prioritize strategies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen resilience against extreme weather.