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.
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.
Senegal has made clean energy a national priority. Renewables now provide a quarter of its power, but the country aims to increase this share to 40 per cent by 2030, unlocking solar potential, empowering rural communities, and driving inclusive green growth.