Concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continue to rise. So too does the
temperature of oceans and land. Climate change is accelerating at an alarming rate. The window of
opportunity for limiting global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius – the threshold agreed
by world governments in Paris in December last year – is narrow and rapidly shrinking.
The effects of a warming planet will be felt by all. Sea levels are rising, and extreme weather is
becoming the new normal. Heavy rain and floods will put more lives and property at risk. Longer and
harsher droughts will jeopardize food security, increase mortality and destabilize local and global
economies. Changing environmental conditions will increase the spread of many diseases.
Hence the theme of this year’s World Meteorological Day: “Hotter, drier, wetter: face the
future”. The world must act now to transform the global economy for low-emissions growth and to
strengthen resilience to the inevitable changes to come, especially in less well-developed countries.
With the adoption of the Paris Agreement on climate change, the international community has
clearly and unanimously committed to act. We already have much of the knowledge and many of the
tools we need. But we cannot afford any delay.
Next month, on 22 April, I have invited world leaders to New York to sign the Paris Agreement,
which is essential for ensuring its prompt ratification. But even before the Agreement comes into force,
every country, every business and every citizen has a role to play in combating climate change and
building a sustainable future for this and future generations.
On this World Meteorological Day, I urge decision-makers and all actors in society to face the
future now. Only by responding decisively to the climate challenge can we avoid the worst impacts of
climate change and lay the foundations of a world of peace, prosperity and opportunity for all.