Earth's Energy Imbalance Hits Record High, Accelerating Global Warming
• The Earth's energy imbalance, a critical measure of climate disruption caused by human activities, reached a record high in 2025, according to the latest 'Indicators of Global Climate Change' (IGCC) report published in Earth System Science Data. This imbalance, which reflects the difference between incoming solar energy and energy radiated back into space, has been growing due to rising greenhouse gas emissions. The report highlights that the 10-year average energy imbalance increased by 40% since 2019, reaching 1.12 watts per square meter (W/m²) for 2013–
• This excess heat is driving global temperatures upward at a record rate of 0.27°C (0.49°F) per decade, with human-induced warming estimated at 1.37°C (2.47°F) above pre-industrial levels in
Impact & Risks
The growing energy imbalance is intensifying global warming, leading to more frequent and severe climate impacts. Oceans, which absorb 90% of the excess heat, are experiencing increased marine heatwaves, disrupting ecosystems and accelerating sea level rise. The cryosphere is also undergoing significant ice loss, contributing to rising sea levels and threatening polar regions. On land, extreme temperatures are becoming more common, with average maximum temperatures for 2016–2025 nearly 1.92°C (3.46°F) above pre-industrial levels. These changes heighten risks of coastal flooding, habitat loss, and extreme weather events, posing challenges to ecosystems and human societies worldwide.
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