UN chief warns of ‘climate chaos’

Speaking on World Meteorological Day, Guterres highlighted intensifying heatwaves, prolonged droughts, rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events, stressing that reliable science and early warning systems are critical to saving lives, News.Az reports, citing the United Nations.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that greenhouse gas concentrations have reached record highs, contributing to sustained increases in global temperatures. The past decade has been the hottest on record, with 2025 temperatures about 1.43°C above pre-industrial levels.

WMO officials warned that the Earth’s climate system is now “more out of balance than at any point in observed history”, as the planet absorbs more heat than it releases. Around 90 per cent of this excess heat is stored in the oceans, accelerating ice melt and driving long-term sea-level rise.

The agency also noted record levels of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide in 2024, with further increases observed in 2025. Scientists say this growing “energy imbalance” is intensifying climate change and its impacts.

Guterres called for urgent investment in global climate monitoring and early warning systems, urging governments and institutions to expand coverage and ensure that all populations are protected from climate-related hazards by 2027.