The average temperature in 20205 was about 1.43°C above the 1850-1900 average. Extreme events around the world, including extreme heat, heavy rainfall and tropical cyclones, have caused disruption and destruction.
The ocean continues to warm and absorb carbon dioxide, the report says. Over the past two decades, it has absorbed an amount of carbon dioxide equivalent to about eighteen times human annual energy consumption. According to the report, annual sea ice extent in the Arctic was at or near record lows, sea ice extent in Antarctica was the third lowest on record, and glacier melt continued unchecked.
“The state of the global climate is in a state of emergency. Planet Earth is at the limit of its capabilities. All key climate indicators signal an emergency,” commented UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
