Top scientists warn: Record heat, ocean warming and expanding dengue threat signal accelerating climate crisis

New Delhi: A global team of climate scientists has identified 10 critical challenges facing the planet, including record-breaking global temperatures, unprecedented ocean warming and a surge in dengue outbreaks worldwide, according to the latest report “10 New Insights in Climate Science 2025/2026.”

The study, jointly produced by experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Gandhinagar and Germany’s Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, reviews the most urgent findings shaping global climate research. The report aims to guide policy decisions and accelerate global climate action, especially ahead of the 30th UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), which scientists describe as an “implementation COP.”

According to the report, 2023 and 2024 were the hottest years ever recorded, marked by extreme land and sea surface temperatures and record ocean heat. Although El Niño conditions contributed to these temperature spikes, researchers say they cannot fully explain the scale of global anomalies, suggesting that planetary warming is accelerating due to a growing energy imbalance on Earth.

The scientists also highlight severe ocean warming and intensifying marine heatwaves, warning that the 2023 marine heatwave may have pushed ecosystems close to a climate tipping point. The ongoing rise in sea surface temperatures is damaging coral reefs, threatening coastal livelihoods and weakening the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide, the report notes.

The authors urge faster investment in climate adaptation and stronger global mitigation measures to prevent further destabilisation of the climate and marine systems.

Another major concern raised is the rapid expansion of dengue, which has reached its largest global outbreak on record. The report links this surge to rising humidity, rainfall and temperatures, which have expanded mosquito breeding grounds and prolonged **transmission seasons.

A related study published in The Lancet found that dengue’s potential for spread has increased by 49% globally. Scientists warn that healthcare systems are already under pressure and may face even greater strain as climate-driven diseases continue to rise.

The report also outlines new insights into loss of labour productivity, biodiversity decline, and rapid groundwater depletion caused by extreme weather patterns.

With mounting scientific evidence underscoring the urgency of the crisis, experts stress that decisive climate action at every level — from local adaptation to international policy — is now more crucial than ever.

(with inputs from agencies)