Opening Remarks - Earth Information Day

Good afternoon,  

Mr Adonia Ayebare, Chair of the SBSTA,  

Mr Simon Stiell, UNFCCC Executive Secretary,  

Sir Jim Skea, Chair of the IPCC and  

Dr Thelma Krug, Chair of GCOS Steering Committee,

Distinguished delegates, colleagues, and participants;

It is a privilege to address you on Earth Information Day 2025, here at COP30 the gateway of the Amazon — a place that reminds us of both the beauty and fragility of our planet and the urgency of our mission

Science is clearer than ever — and so is our responsibility.

I was greatly honoured to launch the WMO State of the Climate Update at the opening of the Belém Climate Summit last week, and I will present some of the highlights to you today.  

The State of the Climate Update is a report grounded in science to guide COP30 with trusted evidence. It shows the key climate trends and their impacts on people, livelihoods and economies everywhere.

The alarming streak of exceptional temperatures continues.

2025 is set to be either the second or third warmest year we have ever observed.  The past three years have been the warmest three years on record.  

The average temperature in January-August 2025 was about 1.42 °Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

Concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases are their highest in 800,000 years. And, of particular concern, the jump in carbon dioxide levels between 2023 and 2024 was the highest we have ever measured.  

Ocean heat content is also record high, inflicting lasting damage on marine ecosystems and economies.  

Long-term sea level rise continues, as do sea ice and glacier retreat. And, on a daily basis, we see destructive weather - most recently in Jamaica, the Philippines and Viet Nam.

Each event leaves lasting impacts on communities, economies and ecosystems. The scars remain long after the headlines.

This is not just a distant warning. It is today’s reality.  

The record increase in greenhouse gas levels means that it will be virtually impossible to limit global warming to 1.5 °C in the next few years without temporarily overshooting the Paris Agreement target.

It is essential to bring temperatures back down to 1.5 °C by the end of the century and to keep the temporary overshoot as small, as short and as safe as possible.

But there is progress — real and measurable.

Across the globe, early warnings are saving lives. Since 2015, the number of countries with multi-hazard early warning systems has more than doubled.

We are closing gaps in the world’s most vulnerable regions, helping communities act before hazards strike.

Climate services are transforming decision-making.

Two-thirds of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services now provide climate information — from heat-health alerts to agricultural forecasts.

Renewable energy capacity is growing faster than ever before. Climate intelligence can ensure that clean energy systems are reliable, flexible, and resilient.  

Science is not only warning us; it is equipping us to adapt.

Earth Information Day is where science meets action. It is where the world’s best climate data, observations, research, and models converge. This year, we mark the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, and the 75th Anniversary of the WMO. We  also celebrate the remarkable advances in Earth observation and data sharing. From satellite constellations to community-based monitoring, we are witnessing an unprecedented era of connectivity. This empowers nations, especially those most vulnerable, to act with precision and foresight.

But we need more data and concrete investments to increase and maintain the global observing system - as the Systematic Observations Financing Facility seeks to do.  

As we look ahead, let us reaffirm our commitment to open science, inclusivity, and global cooperation. Let us ensure that Earth information is not only collected — but also understood, accessible, and actionable for all.  

I invite you all to strengthen the bridges between science and policy that will shape our collective future. Together, we can transform information into insight — and insight into impact. Let us ensure that this is the COP of Truth.

Though I will not be able to attend the entire meeting due to prior commitments, the WMO delegation is at your disposal for further interaction throughout COP30 and beyond.  

Thank you.