European scientists warn 2025 may rank second-or-third hottest year in history

Data from European climate researchers, shows 2025 would be second or third hottest year ever recorded (Image: Canva)

According to new data from European climate researchers, 2025 is set to become the second or third hottest year ever recorded. The warning reinforces fears that the world is accelerating towards dangerous warming thresholds far faster than expected.

The report comes from Europe’s Copernicus service tracking global climate data. Findings reveal January to November 2025 temperatures remain extremely elevated globally. This year trails only behind 2024, the hottest year ever recorded.

It closely competes with 2023 for second or third warmest position. Scientists note 2025’s global temperature sits 1.48°C above pre-industrial averages. This dangerously approaches the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming threshold limit.

The exceptional heat of 2024 was boosted by a strong El Nino, which temporarily warms the Pacific and the planet. But El Nino has now faded, and yet temperatures remain unusually high.

Scientists say this shows the planet’s underlying trend. The human-driven warming is now so strong that even natural cooling phases cannot offset it.

Unprecedented global heat triggered floods and deadly heatwaves across many regions.

Powerful typhoons and record wildfires surged as temperatures shattered previous norms. Marine heat extremes intensified drastically, impacting continents with growing severity.

Climate models warn such extreme disasters may soon become normal. Agriculture, marine ecosystems and water security now face escalating environmental strain. Human health risks are rising worldwide as warming relentlessly accelerates further.

The findings serve as a direct warning to policymakers. Without rapid, deep emission cuts, adaptation will become more difficult and more expensive. Scientists say the latest data is a reminder that the window to limit catastrophic warming is narrowing quickly. 2025 is not just another hot year. It is a signpost of what a warming world is accelerating toward, unless global action shifts radically.