The year 2025 has been marked by significant climate events that underscore the urgent need for global action. The increasing impacts of global warming have been felt worldwide, with temperature records being shattered and climate policies facing scrutiny.
Record-Breaking Heat and Climate Data
According to the World Meteorological Organisation, the last 11 years have been the warmest on record, with 2025 potentially ranking as the joint second or third warmest year. This trend surpasses the Paris Agreement’s goal of keeping warming below 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as highlighted by the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Such warming is attributed to record-high greenhouse gas concentrations, resulting from human activities like fossil fuel combustion and deforestation. These gases trap solar heat, leading to global temperature increases.
Political Controversies and Energy Policies
2025 also saw political controversies with Donald Trump returning to the US presidency. Fulfilling a campaign promise, Trump withdrew the US from the Paris Agreement and labeled climate change a “con job.” His administration’s policies favored liquified natural gas (LNG), despite its emissions being 33 percent higher than coal. This year, the US provided nearly half of Europe’s LNG supply.
Meanwhile, China showed signs of progress, with its CO2 emissions reportedly stabilizing or decreasing over the past 18 months, according to an analysis by Carbon Brief. This was attributed to reduced emissions from transport and industrial activities, alongside a significant increase in renewable energy production.
European Union’s Climate Challenges
In Europe, climate and energy policies faced significant challenges. The EU reversed its decision to ban internal combustion engines by 2035, despite committing to a 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. The Omnibus I package, aimed at simplifying regulations, was criticized for weakening environmental standards, with Amnesty International calling it a ‘bonfire‘ of regulations.
The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, set to begin in 2026, faced pushback from industries regarding its implementation and exemptions.
COP30 and Global Climate Actions
The COP30 summit in Brazil was noted for its fiery debates and the emergence of coalitions among climate-friendly nations. Despite these efforts, the summit was deemed ‘disappointing’ by the Climate Action Tracker, with little to no measurable progress toward reducing warming projections, which are on track for a 2.6°C increase by 2100.
Environmental Changes and Impacts
Significant environmental changes were observed in 2025. The loss of glaciers in regions like the Alps and Andes was accelerated, with Venezuela losing its last glaciers. The melting ice contributes to rising sea levels, which reached a record 5.9 millimeters in 2024.
Studies also highlighted potential climate threats, including the possible collapse of the AMOC, which could lead to colder winters in northern Europe. In addition, Antarctic ice shelf destabilization and Greenland’s ice melt were observed.
Natural disasters linked to climate change were widespread, with Mexico, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Malaysia experiencing devastating floods, and Hurricane Melissa impacting Cuba and Jamaica. Droughts turned the Fertile Crescent into a dustbowl, with severe water shortages in Iran, Iraq, and Syria. Europe faced record wildfire emissions, exacerbating air pollution.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The UK’s Met Office predicts 2026 will be among the four warmest years on record. With the ‘Just Transition Away from Fossil Fuels’ conference scheduled in Colombia, co-hosted with the Netherlands, global efforts to address climate change are expected to continue gaining momentum.
Original Story at www.euronews.com