A deepening global climate emergency is set to intensify energy shortages, food insecurity, and humanitarian crises worldwide, according to the latest report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The report, State of the Global Climate 2025, paints a stark picture of a planet under increasing stress, revealing that the period between 2015 and 2025 represents the hottest 11 years ever recorded. It warns that extreme weather events are now occurring with greater frequency and intensity, affecting millions of people and triggering billions of dollars in economic losses.
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Environmental advocacy group 350.org said the worsening climate crisis is colliding with rising global energy costs—exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing Iran conflict—to create a dangerous multiplier effect on vulnerable populations.
Energy Crisis and Climate Impact Converging
The report highlights a sharp rise in carbon dioxide emissions, with 2024 recording the largest annual increase ever, driven largely by continued reliance on fossil fuels.
The International Energy Agency has already described the current global energy situation as the worst crisis in decades, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the world’s “addiction to fossil fuels” is destabilizing both the climate and global security.
According to the World Food Programme, prolonged conflict and rising energy costs could push an additional 45 million people into acute hunger, particularly across developing regions.
Extreme Weather Threatens Agriculture, Livelihoods
Scientists also caution that the return of El Niño could further amplify global warming trends in 2026, leading to severe heatwaves, prolonged droughts, and devastating floods—all of which directly threaten agricultural productivity and rural livelihoods.
Recent extreme weather events, including destructive flooding in parts of Africa such as Malawi, underscore the growing vulnerability of farming systems to climate shocks.
Call for Urgent Transition from Fossil Fuels
Executive Director of 350.org, Anne Jellema, warned that rising fuel, fertilizer, and food prices could become “the last straw” for millions of already struggling households, especially in the Global South.
She called on governments to: Tax windfall profits of oil and gas companies, invest in renewable energy solutions, including rooftop solar and accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.
“Reducing dependence on fossil fuels will not only cut emissions but also lower household energy costs and strengthen national energy security,” she said.
Global Action Gains Momentum
In a move to accelerate climate action, governments are expected to convene in Santa Marta from April 24–29 for the first global conference dedicated to transitioning away from fossil fuels, co-hosted by Colombia and the Netherlands.
The meeting builds on commitments made at COP28 and is expected to push for a coordinated global phase-out of fossil fuels.
Implications for Africa and Nigeria
For Africa, where millions depend on rain-fed agriculture, the convergence of climate change, rising energy costs, and food inflation presents a serious threat to food systems, farmer livelihoods, and national stability.
Experts warn that without urgent adaptation and investment in climate-resilient agriculture and clean energy, the region could face worsening poverty, displacement, and food crises in the coming years.
