A new scientific analysis suggests that global warming is no longer increasing at a steady pace. Instead, Earth’s temperature rise appears to be accelerating. The findings add fresh urgency to global climate action as countries struggle to meet emissions targets.

Researchers published the study in Geophysical Research Letters. They analysed five independent global temperature datasets after removing the effects of El Niño, volcanic eruptions and changes in solar activity. The result showed the planet has warmed by about 0.35°C per decade between 2015 and 2025, compared with less than 0.20°C per decade from 1970 to 2015. Scientists said the evidence carries more than 98% statistical confidence, marking the strongest evidence yet that warming itself is speeding up.

Lead researcher Stefan Rahmstorf of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research said the acceleration remained visible across every major temperature record after natural climate variations were removed. According to the researchers, the trend became noticeable around 2013–2015.

The findings reinforce concerns raised by climate scientists worldwide. Reuters reported earlier this year that global greenhouse gas concentrations, ocean temperatures and sea levels have all reached record highs. The remaining carbon budget for limiting warming to 1.5°C is shrinking fast. Scientists estimate only about 170 billion tonnes of CO₂ can still be emitted before reaching that limit.

The new research adds to growing evidence that the world could exceed the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C warming limit before 2030. That could happen if greenhouse gas emissions continue at current levels. Scientists also ruled out natural climate cycles as the main cause. They said events like El Niño can temporarily raise global temperatures. However, they cannot explain the long-term warming acceleration seen in the latest study.

The implications extend beyond temperature records. Faster warming increases the likelihood of stronger heatwaves, prolonged droughts, intense rainfall, larger wildfires and rising sea levels. Recent studies have linked climate change to increasingly severe wildfire conditions across Europe and worsening weather extremes worldwide.

For governments, industries and businesses, the message is becoming clearer. Emissions reductions, renewable energy deployment and climate adaptation measures will need to accelerate alongside the warming climate. Scientists caution that delaying action today could make future mitigation significantly more difficult and expensive.

Reference- Geophysical Research Letters, ScienceDaily, Reuters, Nature, The Guardian