While this does not mean the internationally agreed 1.5C warming threshold has been permanently breached, the UN warned it was in “grave danger”.

Europe’s climate monitor Copernicus was one of the groups that found last year exceeded the warming limit set by the 2015 Paris Agreement. Source: AAP, AP / Petros Giannakouris

Europe’s climate monitor Copernicus, which provided one of the datasets the WMO analysed, found that both of the past two years had exceeded the warming limit set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement.

Scientists stressed that the 1.5C threshold in the Paris Agreement refers to a sustained rise over decades, offering a glimmer of hope.

“We have now experienced the first taste of a 1.5C world, which has cost people and the global economy unprecedented suffering and economic costs,” he told Agence France-Presse.

‘Trail-blazing climate action’ required, UN says

“Global heating is a cold, hard fact.”

Los Angeles is currently battling deadly wildfires that have destroyed thousands of buildings and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes.

Deadly wildfires have devastated Los Angeles, razing thousands of buildings. Source: AAP / Michael Nigro/Sipa USA

Another record-breaking year is not anticipated in 2025, as a UN deadline looms for nations to commit to curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

While Copernicus records date back to 1940, other climate data from ice cores and tree rings suggest Earth is now likely the warmest it has been in tens of thousands of years.

Warmer seas drive higher evaporation and atmospheric moisture, leading to heavier rainfall and energising cyclones.

“The future is in our hands — swift and decisive action can still alter the trajectory of our future climate,” said Copernicus climate director Carlo Buontempo.

Prime minister’s climate change warning

The hottest year was 2019, which culminated in Australia’s devastating Black Summer bushfires.

“We’re seeing the hottest years on record being reached year after year, and we’re seeing, as well, more extreme weather events.”