Record ‘Energy Imbalance’ Signals Escalating Climate Disruption, UN Warns

This growing “energy imbalance” — driven largely by greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide — has reached record levels, intensifying global warming and accelerating environmental change.

What Is Climate Energy Imbalance?

In simple terms, energy imbalance occurs when the Earth absorbs more energy from the sun than it emits back into space. This excess heat accumulates within the climate system, disrupting natural equilibrium and driving long-term warming.

According to the WMO, this imbalance has now reached its highest level since records began, making it one of the most critical indicators of climate change.

Oceans Absorb the Bulk of Heat

More than 90% of this excess energy is being absorbed by the oceans, pushing ocean temperatures to record highs. This warming has far-reaching consequences, including rising sea levels, damage to marine ecosystems, and more intense storms.

Data shows that heat stored in the upper layers of the oceans has reached new peaks, with warming occurring at more than twice the rate observed in the late 20th century.

Rising Temperatures and Melting Ice

Global temperatures in 2025 were approximately 1.43°C above pre-industrial levels, continuing a long-term upward trend. The past eleven years now rank as the warmest on record.

This sustained warming is contributing to rapid ice loss. Glaciers have experienced some of their worst conditions in recorded history, while sea ice levels in both polar regions have remained near record lows for much of the year.

The Role of Human Activity

Scientists point to human activities — particularly the burning of fossil fuels — as the primary driver of this imbalance. Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations are now at their highest level in at least two million years.

While natural climate patterns such as La Niña temporarily moderated temperatures in 2025, they did not reverse the overall warming trend. Looking ahead, the potential return of El Niño later this year could push global temperatures to new records.

Increasing Frequency of Extreme Events

The accumulation of excess heat is intensifying extreme weather worldwide. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe, with some regions already experiencing temperatures far above historical averages.

Recent analyses suggest that without human-induced warming, certain extreme heat events would have been nearly impossible.

In addition, rising temperatures are contributing to the spread of climate-sensitive diseases and increasing the severity of natural disasters.

A Long-Term Disruption

WMO officials warn that the disruption caused by this energy imbalance will persist for centuries, even if emissions are reduced. The excess heat already stored in the climate system will continue to influence global conditions for generations.

A Renewed Call for Action

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has reiterated the need for a rapid transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, linking climate stability directly to energy and national security.

The findings serve as a stark reminder that the climate crisis is accelerating — and that the window for limiting its most dangerous impacts is rapidly narrowing.