Also significant was sea level rise, melting of the Antarctic sea ice sheet and glacial retreat, according to a new report presented Tuesday by WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

“The scientific understanding of climate change has existed for more than five decades, yet we have missed a whole generation of opportunities,” Saulo added, urging that the response to climate change be guided by the well-being of future generations, not short-term economic interests.

According to the report, on a typical day in 2023, nearly one-third of the ocean surface was gripped by a marine heat wave, damaging vital ecosystems and food systems.

Observed glaciers suffered the greatest ice loss on record since 1950, with extreme melting in both western North America and Europe.

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