B.C. climate update: Global temperatures rise and underground wildfires persist

Global average temperatures exceeded 1.5°C in 2024 after reaching about 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels in 2023, and some wildfires in British Columbia are reported to still be burning underground.

The latest climate data shows recent years among the warmest on record. Global average temperature was about 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels in 2023 and exceeded 1.5°C in 2024. Reports note that some wildfires in British Columbia remain active underground and are described as 'zombie' fires. Atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations are reported as substantially higher than pre-industrial levels. Key points: - Global average temperature was about 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels in 2023 and rose above 1.5°C in 2024, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service. - 2025 is reported as likely to be the second or third warmest year, extending a run of unusually warm years. - Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations are reported as roughly 49% higher than pre-industrial levels and exceeded 430 parts per million in mid-2025. - Coverage describes some British Columbia wildfires as continuing to burn underground, sometimes referred to as 'zombie' fires. Summary: These findings indicate recent global temperatures are higher than long-term pre-industrial averages and that elevated greenhouse gas concentrations persist. In British Columbia, underground fire activity is reported; broader operational details are not provided in the material. Undetermined at this time.