The global temperature context remains much the same, with persistently high land and sea surface temperatures reflecting the continuing influence of greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere,
PARIS — September ranked as the third-hottest globally on record, according to the Copernicus Climate Change Service, keeping world temperatures lodged near historic highs for yet another month. The month did not surpass the record set in 2023 and was only marginally cooler than last year, the EU’s global warming monitor reported on Oct. 9.
RELEVANT SUSTAINABLE GOALS
“The global temperature context remains much the same, with persistently high land and sea surface temperatures reflecting the continuing influence of greenhouse gas accumulation in the atmosphere,” said Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at Copernicus.
The Baseline: 1.47°C Above Pre-Industrial
Copernicus estimated September was 1.47°C above the 1850–1900 average, the period used to define pre-industrial conditions before human activity significantly affected the climate. Scientists caution that even small increments matter: each fraction of a degree further destabilizes the planet, amplifying extreme weather risks and raising the chance of destructive tipping points.
Global temperatures have climbed steadily with humanity’s greenhouse-gas emissions, primarily from fossil fuels burned at scale since the industrial revolution. Scientists expect 2025 will be the third-hottest year after 2024 and 2023, with recent months tracking just behind the records set during this extraordinary stretch.
Nations confront this reality as they prepare to meet in Brazil next month for the annual UN climate negotiations. Major economies are not cutting emissions fast enough to avoid the worst impacts, and new oil, coal, and gas projectscontinue to be approved.
How We Know: Satellites, Ships, and Proxies
Copernicus compiles billions of measurements from satellites, ships, aircraft, and weather stations to produce its climate analyses; its instrumental records extend back to 1940. Other sources—including ice cores, tree rings, and coral skeletons—help extend the picture further into the past. Scientists say the current period is likely the warmest in 125,000 years.
September’s ranking reinforces a clear message: the underlying warming remains in place. With temperatures hovering close to records and international talks approaching, the challenge is no longer diagnosing the trend—it is responding to it at the speed and scale required.
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