We entered the year 2025 with widespread optimism for economic improvement, growth, inclusivity, and progress in climate action, sustainability, and ESG. However, the year began with a series of devastating natural disasters.
Wildfires in the US, particularly California, have caused significant biodiversity loss and property damage. As of January 24, 2025, reports indicate 274 active wildfires in California, impacting 55,082 hectares. Simultaneously, the UK faced severe flooding and high winds, with 60 mm of rainfall causing widespread disruption. India on the other hand experienced contrasting weather extremes, with Kashmir recording significantly lower temperatures while Kerala
battled heatwaves.
2024—A year of record-breaking temperatures:
The recent occurrences come after 2024, which the UN declared to be the hottest year ever, with global temperatures rising 1.50°C above pre-industrial levels.
Key highlights of 2024 include:
o Unprecedented ocean temperatures: Oceans absorbed approximately 90% of the planet’s excess heat, contributing to stronger storms, sea level rise, and marine ecosystem collapse.
o Extreme heat exposure: Over 44% of the Earth experienced “strong” to “extreme” heat stress on July 10th, the most extensive heat exposure ever recorded.
o Significant ocean warming: Ocean heat content increased dramatically, equivalent to 140 times the planet’s annual electricity production, leading to a 1 mm sea level rise.
Escalating risks:
Experts warn that exceeding the 1.5°C threshold will intensify extreme weather events. Even if Paris Agreement targets are met, ocean warming and associated climate crises will continue. The UN Secretary-General has called for “trail-blazing climate action” in 2025 to mitigate further damage and avert a climate catastrophe.
Recognizing the urgency, the UN has declared a climate emergency and designated 2025 as the International Year of Glaciers. Rising temperatures are accelerating glacial melt, exacerbating dry spells, prolonging heatwaves, causing vegetation loss, and disrupting rainfall patterns.
Call to action:
The current climate trajectory demands immediate and concerted action. Businesses must prioritize sustainability and ESG initiatives, invest in climate resilience, and advocate for policies that support a rapid transition to a low-carbon economy. Failure to act will result in increasingly severe environmental and economic consequences.
