WMO confirms 2016 hottest year on record

World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has confirmed 2016 as the hottest year on record with global average temperature of about 1.1°C higher than the pre-industrial period. With this, according to a consolidated analysis by WMO, 2016 record surpassed the exceptionally high temperatures of 2015.

It was approximately 0.83° Celsius above the long term average (14°C) of the WMO 1961-1990 reference period, and about 0.07°C warmer than the previous record set in 2015, said a statement from the organization. 

Secretary-General of WMO, Petteri Taalas said 2016 was an extreme year for the global climate and stands out as the hottest year on record, but that temperatures only tell part of the story.

“Long-term indicators of human-caused climate change reached new heights in 2016. Carbon dioxide and methane concentrations surged to new records. Both contribute to climate change,” he said.

 Carbon dioxide remains in the atmosphere for centuries and in the ocean, where it acidifies the water, for even longer. It is now above the symbolic and significant level of 400 parts per million concentration in the atmosphere. Mr. Taalas said:

While urging that attention be paid to the potential release of methane from melting permafrost, he said the Arctic is warming twice as fast as the global average and the persistent loss of sea ice is driving weather, climate and ocean circulation patterns in other parts of the world.