Last year was hot. Next year will be even hotter.
politico.eu • • world
Key Points:
- Europe experienced one of its warmest years on record in 2025, with up to 99% of the continent seeing above-average temperatures, marking the first time almost the entire region was warmer than normal annually.
- The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and EU scientists reported severe climate impacts in Europe during 2025, including record wildfires, significant glacier shrinkage, widespread drought, and the highest sea temperatures around Europe for the fourth consecutive year.
- An unusually strong El Niño event, potentially the strongest this century, is expected to develop later in 2026, likely driving global temperatures even higher through 2027 and intensifying climate extremes worldwide.
- Europe has warmed by approximately 2.5°C since the pre-industrial era, warming faster than the global average due to geographic and environmental factors, with a noticeable decline in winter freezing days attributed to climate change.
- European officials emphasize the urgent need for transformational climate action to improve resilience and preparedness as the continent faces accelerating warming and its associated impacts.
