The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) recently published its annual State of the Global Climate report, revealing that 2023 was the hottest year on record. The findings indicate alarming climate trends, including record-breaking greenhouse gas emissions, rising surface temperatures, ocean heat and acidification, sea level rise, and glacier retreat.
Key Findings of the WMO Report:
- 2023 was the warmest year on record, with global average temperatures reaching 1.45°C above pre-industrial levels.
- The global near-surface temperature in 2023 was 1.45 ± 0.12°C above the 1850–1900 average.
- Every month from June to December 2023 set new temperature records.
- Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) were at an all-time high from April onward, with July, August, and September showing the most extreme spikes.
- Ocean regions such as the eastern North Atlantic, the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and the North Pacific recorded exceptional warmth.
Extreme Climate Events in 2023
The WMO report also highlights the growing impact of extreme weather events on economies, ecosystems, and human lives.
- Glacier Retreat: The hydrological year 2022-2023 witnessed the largest ice loss on record (1950-2023).
- Marine Heat Waves (MHWs): The frequency and intensity of MHWs have increased dramatically.
- Wildfires: Devastating fires affected Hawaii, Canada, and Europe, leading to large-scale air pollution and loss of life.
- Floods: Mediterranean Cyclone Daniel caused severe flooding in Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Libya, resulting in heavy casualties.
- Tropical Cyclones: Hurricane Otis rapidly intensified to Category 5 in just 15 hours, causing the highest economic loss from a single event in 2023.
The Role of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO
What is WMO?
- The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations
- It originated from the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), which was established after the 1873 Vienna International Meteorological Congress.
- Established by the ratification of the WMO Convention on 23rd March 1950, WMO became the specialized agency of the United Nations for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.’
- The WMO has 193 member states and territories. India is a member of WMO.
- WMO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
- World Meteorological Day is celebrated annually on March 23 to commemorate the establishment of the WMO and to raise awareness about the importance of meteorology and climate science.
Structure of the WMO:
- Its supreme body is the World Meteorological Congress, which consists of representatives of all members.
- It meets at least every four years to set general policy and adopt regulations.
- A 36-member Executive Council meets annually and implements policy.
- The Secretariat, headed by a secretary-general appointed by the congress for a four-year term, serves as the administrative centre of the organization.
- Six regional associations address problems peculiar to their regions.
- Eight technical commissions.
Functions of the WMO
- WMO coordinates the activities of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services so that basic weather, climate and water services are made available to anyone who needs them, when they need them.
- WMO guarantees the publication of observations and statistics and furthers the application of meteorology and hydrology (including the monitoring and predictions of climate change and ozone) to all aspects of human activities such as aviation, shipping, water management and agriculture.
- WMO also encourages research and training in meteorology and hydrology and their related applications and contributes towards reducing the impact of weather- and climate-related hazards.
The Global Climate Crisis & The Future
The WMO’s latest findings highlight the urgent need for climate action. With global temperatures continuously rising, nations must accelerate efforts to mitigate climate change, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance renewable energy adoption. The World Meteorological Organisation remains at the forefront of climate monitoring, helping governments and policymakers make informed decisions for a sustainable future.
Conclusion
The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) continues to play a pivotal role in climate science and policy. The 2023 State of the Global Climate report emphasizes the severity of climate change, urging global leaders to take immediate action. As extreme weather events become more frequent, climate adaptation and mitigation efforts must be strengthened to secure a sustainable future for all.
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