The year 2025 is poised to rank as the second or third warmest year ever recorded, according to new data released by the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) on December 9. The only year likely to surpass it is 2024, which currently holds the record for the hottest year in history.
The latest climate update comes shortly after the COP30 climate summit, where global leaders failed to reach meaningful agreements on scaling back greenhouse gas emissions. The outcome reflects increasing geopolitical tensions, with the U.S. pulling back on some climate actions and several nations pushing to dilute emissions-reduction commitments.
C3S scientists warn that the continued rise in global temperatures underscores an urgent need for stronger international cooperation to combat climate change.