The World Meteorological Organisation has sounded the alarm on global temperatures moving towards uncharted territory if action on human-made climate change is not urgently addressed.

Their latest Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update for 2023–2027 found there is a major likelihood (98%) that at least one of the next five years, and the five-year period, will be the warmest on record. 

There is also a high likelihood (66%) that the annual average near-surface global temperature between 2023 and 2027 will be more than 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels for at least one year.

We must tear ourselves away from polluting fossil fuels to urgently slash emissions this decade and protect Australians from the worsening effects of climate change. 

Climate Councillor, former IPCC author and Distinguished Professor of Biology at Macquarie University, Professor Lesley Hughes said: “The warning bells are increasing in volume for urgent action on climate change. 

“Australia is already in the crosshairs of climate change, we’ve seen the risks dramatically escalate over the past five years through multiple floods, the Black Summer Bushfires, and our last drought. Hitting 1.5 degrees even temporarily will only see these climate extremes worsen.

“We still have a window to drive global momentum towards a safer climate, but it’s clear the window is closing rapidly. This is a pivotal moment to accelerate climate action to protect ourselves from a future of catastrophic warming. 

“Every fraction of a degree of warming matters. Every action matters. Governments must listen to the science and slash emissions this decade, and rapidly transition away from burning and exporting fossil fuels – coal, oil and gas- which are driving dangerous climate change.”

ENDS

For interviews please contact Zerene Catacutan on 0438 972 260 or zerene.catacutan@climatecouncil.org.au

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