As Earth continues to register record-breaking temperatures, the latest data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service reveals that warming is not progressing at the same pace across the globe. So, what is happening?
Over the past 30 years, the global average temperature has increased by 0.26°C per decade. In contrast, Europe and the Arctic are warming at more than double that rate. Since the mid-1990s, Europe has experienced an increase of about 0.53°C per decade, making it the fastest-warming continent on Earth, according to Copernicus.
Compared with pre-industrial levels (1850–1900), Europe’s temperature has risen by 2.4°C—nearly twice the global average. Scientists attribute this acceleration to shifting weather patterns, with more frequent heatwaves and prolonged hot summers.
Another factor is the sharp decline in air pollution, due to stricter environmental regulations, which has allowed more solar radiation to penetrate the atmosphere. Europe’s geographical proximity to the Arctic further amplifies the effect.
In 2024, Europe recorded the second-highest number of heat stress days on the continent, while the summer of 2025 began with widespread heatwaves sweeping across most regions.
The Arctic: Amplified Warming
The Arctic is experiencing an even more dramatic reality, with temperatures rising by about 0.69°C per decade. Compared with pre-industrial levels, the increase has reached 3.3°C. This phenomenon, known as Arctic amplification, results from feedback loops such as ice melt, which traps more heat near the surface, and the transport of water vapor from tropical regions, further intensifying the warming.
Why Does the Rate of Warming Differ Across the Globe?
Although greenhouse gas emissions are the primary driver, several local factors influence the speed of warming. Land areas, for instance, heat up faster than oceans. Air pollution in some regions reduces the amount of sunlight reaching the surface, while atmospheric dynamics redistribute heat in uneven ways.
Racing Toward 1.5°C
Estimates from the Copernicus Climate Change Service indicate that the world could reach the 1.5°C threshold by April 2029 if current trends continue. This prospect presents humanity with a critical test of the Paris Agreement’s targets.
