Important Facts For Prelims
WMO Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update 2025-2029
- 29 May 2025
- 6 min read
Why in News?
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released a report titled “WMO Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update (2025–2029)”, warning that the Earth’s average temperature is likely to exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels during this period.
What are the Key Takeaways from WMO Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update?
- Global Temperature Trends: WMO projects that the annual global average temperature between 2025 and 2029 will range from 1.2°C to 1.9°C above the 1850–1900 pre-industrial average.
- There is a 70% chance that the average temperature for this five-year period will exceed the critical 1.5°C threshold.
- Additionally, there is an 86% chance that at least one year within this timeframe will temporarily surpass the 1.5°C limit, and an 80% chance that one of these years will be hotter than 2024, which is currently the warmest year on record.
- Regional Climate Projections:
- South Asia: Expected to remain wetter than average.
- Amazon: Likely to experience drier-than-average conditions.
- Arctic: Expected to warm 2.4°C above normal, 3.5 times the global average.
- Paris Agreement Threshold: 2024 was the first full year to record temperatures above 1.5°C.
- The 1.5°C threshold is a temporary breach, but a long-term (20–30 years) exceedance would mean failure of the Paris Agreement.
- Urgency for Policy Action: Despite the urgency, 180 of 195 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) countries have not yet submitted their updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for 2031–2035.
- These plans are critical to staying within the 1.5°C limit set in the Paris Agreement.
- WMO stresses the importance of continued climate monitoring to inform decision-making and boost adaptation efforts.
World Meteorological Organization
- The WMO is an intergovernmental body comprising 192 Member States and Territories, including India.
- It evolved from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), founded following the 1873 Vienna International Meteorological Congress.
- In 1950, the IMO formally became the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) through the ratification of the WMO Convention.
- It serves as the United Nations’ specialized agency for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology, and related geophysical sciences.
- The Secretariat, based in Geneva, Switzerland and led by the Secretary-General, is overseen by the World Meteorological Congress.
- WMO publishes reports such as the State of the Global Climate, the State of Global Water Resources, and the State of Climate Services.
What are Key International Conventions/Protocols Aimed at Limiting Global Warming?
|
Conventions/Protocols |
Objective |
|
Kyoto Protocol (1997) |
It aimed to reduce the emission of gases that contribute to global warming. |
|
Paris Agreement (2015) |
Limit global temperature rise to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, and pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5°C. |
|
Glasgow Climate Pact (COP26) (2021) |
Secure global net-zero emissions by mid-century and keep warming within 1.5°C within reach. |
|
Sharm El-Sheikh Plan (COP27) (2022) |
Focus on implementation and climate justice; established the Loss and Damage Fund, emphasized adaptation, and reinforced the 1.5°C goal. |
|
Global Stocktake (COP28) (2023) |
Reaffirmed the 1.5°C target; governments agreed to raise their 2025 climate commitments to align with this goal, covering all sectors and greenhouse gases. |
| Read more: State of Global Climate Report 2024 |
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Q. With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2017)
- It is an initiative of the European Union.
- It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
- It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
Mains
Q.1 Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (2021)
Q.2 ‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How will India be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (2017)
