2020 will likely be one of three warmest years on record, according to the provisional 2020 WMO State of the Global Climate report. Ocean heat is at record levels. Extreme heat, wildfires and floods, as well as a record-breaking Atlantic hurricane season, have affected millions of people. Even with pandemic lockdowns slowing economic activity, atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases continued to rise.
Selwin Hart, the Secretary-General's Special Adviser on Climate Action, shares insights on the objectives of this year’s Climate Summit and assesses global progress ahead of COP30.
The ozone layer is healing thanks to the Montreal Protocol, which phased out most harmful chemicals. Full recovery is expected by mid-century, if vigilance continues against illegal emissions, stockpiles and rising threats like nitrous oxide.
At World Water Week in Stockholm, experts highlighted historic progress in drought preparedness, and called for turning knowledge and expertise into resilience for all. Here are five key takeaways.