Humanity Breaks Climate Records

In 2023 many regions experienced unusually severe heat, droughts, floods and storms. The Guardian surveyed 45 climate scientists worldwide who say these extreme events align with long-standing scientific predictions about global warming. However, the impacts are happening faster and more intensely than many models had forecast, in part because the return of El Niño is amplifying heat and weather extremes this year.

Those scientists warn there is only a small window left to limit the worst outcomes. They emphasize that rapidly cutting emissions from coal, oil and gas is critical to slow further warming and reduce risks. Without swift, large-scale action—shifting to cleaner energy, improving planning and supporting vulnerable communities—heatwaves, floods and wildfires are likely to grow more frequent and damaging, threatening lives, food supplies and economies.