World Meteorological Organization: "Worst Heatwave Ever, 98% Probability Within 5 Years"

66% Chance of 1.5℃ Global Temperature Rise
WMO "El Ni?o to Occur Within Months"

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has forecasted a high likelihood that the Earth's temperature will rise more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels within the next five years.

On the 17th (local time), the WMO announced that there is a 66% chance that the global temperature increase will reach 1.5℃ within five years.

This figure has surged sharply compared to the prediction of less than 20% three years ago.

Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of WMO [Photo by Yonhap News]

In 2015, 197 member countries worldwide signed the Paris Agreement on climate change, pledging to keep the global temperature rise below 1.5℃ above pre-industrial levels. However, this target is likely to be broken within five years.

However, Petteri Taalas, Secretary-General of the WMO, stated, "This means there is a high probability that the threshold of temperature rise will be exceeded at least one year within five years," adding, "It does not mean that this will be maintained permanently."

The WMO also forecasted a 98% chance that the record of the hottest year on Earth, set in 2016, will be broken within the next five years.

The rapid climate changes expected are attributed to the El Ni?o phenomenon accompanying global warming.

El Ni?o refers to the phenomenon where sea surface temperatures near the equator remain at least 0.5℃ above average for several months.

Petteri Taalas warned, "El Ni?o is expected to occur within a few months," adding, "It is anticipated to have widespread impacts on health, food security, water management, and the environment, so preparations are necessary."

Meanwhile, the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) is scheduled to be held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, this coming November. The conference will discuss solutions to global climate issues.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.