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A Planet on the Brink: The Main Message of the 2025 State of the Climate Report

Hans-Peter Plag

Published in Library on Nov. 02, 2025.

Earth is hurtling toward climate chaos, and the vital signs of the planet are flashing red. The threats resulting from human-caused changes in climate are here now. The unfolding emergency stems from failed foresight, political inaction, the unsustainable economic system, and misinformation and disinformation have cause the unfolding emergency. The biosphere as a whole is suffering from intensifying heat in oceans and over land, increasing storms, unprecedented floods, extreme droughts, or widespread fires. The window to act and prevent the worst outcomes is rapidly closing.

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The 2025 State of the Climate Report was published on October 29, 2025. The authors of the 2025 report speak to fellow scientists, policymakers, and humanity at large. They point out that because of their roles in research and higher education, they have an ethical responsibility to sound the alarm and to take collective action. The global risks are escalating. There is evidence of accelerated warming and the changes in Earth’s vital signs are deeply concerning. Recent extreme weather events have caused unprecedented disasters, and these events cause extreme physical and social risks.

The authors also include in the report suggested climate mitigation strategies and discuss the broader societal transformations needed to secure a livable future. They underline that the costs of mitigating climate change are likely far lower than the damages that climate-related impacts could cause.

Box 1. Key Highlights
  • The year 2024 set a new mean global surface temperature record, signaling an escalation of climate upheaval.
  • Currently, 22 of 34 planetary vital signs are at record levels.
  • Warming may be accelerating, likely driven by reduced aerosol cooling, strong cloud feedbacks, and a darkening planet.
  • The human enterprise is driving ecological overshoot. Population, livestock, meat consumption, and gross domestic product are all at record highs, with an additional approximately 1.3 million humans and 0.5 million ruminants added weekly.
  • In 2024, fossil fuel energy consumption hit a record high, with coal, oil, and gas all at peak levels. Combined solar and wind consumption also set a new record but was 31 times lower than fossil fuel energy consumption.
  • So far, in 2025, atmospheric carbon dioxide is at a record level, likely worsened by a sudden drop in land carbon uptake partly due to El Niño and intense forest fires.
  • Global fire-related tree cover loss reached an all-time high, with fires in tropical primary forest up 370% over 2023, fueling rising emissions and biodiversity loss.
  • Ocean heat content reached a record high, contributing to the largest coral bleaching event ever recorded, affecting 84% of reef area.
  • So far, in 2025, Greenland and Antarctic ice mass are at record lows. The Greenland and West Antarctic ice sheets may be passing tipping points, potentially committing the planet to meters of sea-level rise.
  • Deadly and costly disasters surged, with Texas flooding killing at least 135 people, the California wildfires alone exceeding US$250 billion in damages, and climate-linked disasters since 2000 globally reaching more than US$18 trillion.
  • Climate change is endangering thousands of wild animal species; more than 3500 species are now at risk and there is new evidence of climate-related animal population collapses.
  • The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation is weakening, threatening major climate disruptions.
  • Climate change is already affecting water quality and availability, undermining agricultural productivity, sustainable water management, and increasing the risk of water-related conflict. A dangerous hothouse Earth trajectory may now be more likely due to accelerated warming, self-reinforcing feedbacks, and tipping points.
  • Climate change mitigation strategies are available, cost effective, and urgently needed. From forest protection and renewables to plant-rich diets, we can still limit warming if we act boldly and quickly.
  • Social tipping points can drive rapid change. Even small, sustained nonviolent movements can shift public norms and policy, highlighting a vital path forward amid political gridlock and ecological crisis.
  • There is a need for systems change that links individual technical approaches with broader societal transformation, governance, policies, and social movements.