2020 among the world’s hottest years as climate crisis continues

The average global temperature in 2020 is set to be around 1.2C (34.2F) above the pre-industrial baseline of 1850-1900, provisional analysis for January to October shows.

This year is set to be one of the hottest on record globally amid the ongoing climate crisis and extreme weather conditions, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has said.

It has been “another extraordinary year” for the climate, with heatwaves, wildfires, hurricanes and floods compounding the threats to people’s lives, health and security created by the pandemic, the UN organisation warned.