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 UN’s top court has ruled that countries must act on climate change under international law, including cutting emissions and limiting warming. The case, led by Vanuatu and Pacific youth, is a major win for climate justice, Secretary-General António Guterres said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres declared the fossil fuel era in decline and urged countries to submit stronger climate plans ahead of COP30. Citing record clean energy investments and falling solar and wind costs, he said that the transition is “unstoppable, but not yet fast or fair enough.”
As countries race to tap the deep sea for rare minerals, the head of the UN’s Seabed Authority warned it must not become a “Wild West.” Marking its 30th anniversary, the agency is pushing for global rules to protect the ocean floor.