Human activity linked to 2025 being the third‑hottest year on record, experts say

Scientists report 2025 was among the hottest years on record and say human-driven emissions were the main driver; some agencies warn the 1.5C Paris limit could be passed before the end of the decade.

Scientists and international agencies reported that 2025 ranked among the hottest years on record and that human emissions remained the dominant influence on global temperatures. The World Meteorological Organization and the EU Copernicus climate service published multiple datasets based on billions of observations from satellites, ships, aircraft and weather stations. Those datasets show a recent three-year period averaging about 1.48C above preindustrial levels and a 2025 value near 1.44C in the WMO consolidated analysis. Agencies also noted a changing role for natural influences, with El Niño effects having weakened by 2025. Key findings: - Eight independent global datasets were released, with most ranking 2025 as the third‑hottest year and small variations between them. - The WMO consolidated analysis placed 2025 about 1.44C above preindustrial levels, while a three‑year average was near 1.48C as reported by agencies. - Copernicus warned current rates of warming could breach the 1.5C threshold measured over 30 years before the end of the decade. - Scientists attributed the exceptional temperatures mainly to human‑caused greenhouse gas emissions, noting natural factors such as El Niño contributed less to 2025 than in earlier recent years. Summary: Scientists said 2025 was among the hottest years on record and that human-driven emissions were the leading cause of the exceptional temperatures. Agencies reported global temperature averages around 1.44–1.48C above preindustrial levels and cautioned that the 1.5C benchmark could be crossed within the coming decade. Undetermined at this time.