2023 was the warmest year on record, with the global average near-surface temperature at 1.45°C above the pre-industrial baseline, according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). It marked the warmest ten-year period on record, though 2024 is well on its way to breaking that record. Heatwaves, floods, droughts, wildfires and rapidly intensifying tropical cyclones caused misery and mayhem, upending every-day life for millions and inflicting many billions of dollars in economic losses, according to the WMO State of the Global Climate 2023 report.

When scientists discovered a hole in the ozone layer over Antarctica in 1985, the world was struck with fear. Reaction was swift. Public health experts immediately warned that rising intensity of ultraviolet (UV) radiation may greatly increase the incidence of skin cancer and cataracts as well as significantly damage global crops and the marine food chain.