GLOBAL CLIMATE REPORT 2023

1. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its State of the Global Climate Report 2023.
2. 2023 was the warmest year on record.
3. The report highlights trends in various climate indicators:
   1. Record-breaking greenhouse gas levels
   2. Surface temperatures
   3. Ocean heat and acidification
   4. Sea level rise
   5. Antarctic sea ice cover
   6. Glacier retreat

Key Findings

1. Global Temperature:
   1. The global average near-surface temperature in 2023 was 1.45 ± 0.12 °C above the pre-industrial (1850–1900) average, making it the warmest year in the 174-year observational record.
   2. The previous warmest years were 2016 at 1.29 ± 0.12 °C and 2020 at 1.27 ± 0.13 °C above the 1850–1900 average.
2. Warmest Decade:
   1. The 10-year average (2014–2023) global temperature was 1.20 ± 0.12 °C above the 1850–1900 average, making it the warmest 10-year period on record.
3. Record-Breaking Months:
   1. Globally, every month from June to December was record warm for the respective month.
   2. September 2023 surpassed the previous global record for September by a wide margin (0.46 to 0.54 °C).
4. Greenhouse Gas Levels:
   1. The observed concentrations of the three main greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide – reached record levels in 2022, with real-time data from specific locations showing a continued increase in 2023.
5. Ocean Warmth:
   1. Exceptional warmth was recorded in various regions, including the eastern North Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, the North Pacific, and large areas of the Southern Ocean.

Impact on Human Life and Ecosystems

1. Extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires, and tropical cyclones caused significant damage, disruption, and economic losses.
2. Marine heatwaves affected nearly one-third of the global ocean in 2023, harming ecosystems and food systems.
3. The global set of reference glaciers experienced the largest loss of ice on record, driven by extreme melt in western North America and Europe.

Renewable Energy as a Glimmer of Hope

1. Increased renewable energy generation was observed.
2. In 2023, renewable capacity additions increased by almost 50% from 2022.
3. The total renewable capacity additions in 2023 were 510 gigawatts (GW).
4. This represented the highest rate observed in the past two decades.
5. The surge in renewable energy is primarily driven by solar radiation, wind, and the water cycle.
6. The increased renewable energy has the potential to achieve decarbonization targets.

Important Facts

1. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations.
2. WMO's responsibility is to promote international cooperation in meteorology, hydrology, and related geophysical sciences.
3. The WMO was established in 1950.
4. WMO has 193 member states and territories.
5. World Meteorological Day is celebrated annually on March 23.
6. Commemoration of the establishment of the WMO and raising awareness about the importance of meteorology and climate science is the purpose of World Meteorological Day.

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