Earth records 11 hottest years in a row as ocean heat and greenhouse gases hit records
Mar 23rd 2026 · World
The World Meteorological Organization says 2025 was among the hottest years on record, with record atmospheric CO2, ocean heat and the highest measured Earth energy imbalance while polar sea ice stayed near record lows.
- The past 11 years are the hottest on record, with 2025 ranking as the second or third warmest year.
- Atmospheric carbon dioxide and ocean heat reached record levels in 2025.
- Earth's energy imbalance reached its highest level since observations began in 1960, showing growing heat accumulation.
- More than 91% of excess heat since the 1970s has been absorbed by the oceans.
- Arctic and Antarctic sea ice were among the lowest since satellite records began in 1979.
- Scientists report a recent step change in temperatures that they attribute to human-driven climate change.