GLOBAL CLIMATE CONDITIONS IN 2018

Abstract

The year 2018 was the fourth warmest year on record; 2015-2018 were the four warmest years on record, as the long-term warming trend continues. Greenhouse gas concentration reached new highs. Ocean heat content is at a record high and global mean sea level continues to rise. Arctic and Antarctic sea-ice extent is well below average. Extreme weather had an impact on lives and sustainable development on every continent. The global mean temperature for 2018 is estimated to be 0.99 ±0.13°C above the pre-industrial baseline (1850-1900). We are not on track to meet climate change targets and rein in temperature increases. In spite of the success of the Montreal Protocol, ozone depletion started relatively early in 2018 and remained above the long-term average until about mid-November.