May 2025 Becomes Second-Hottest May on Record Amid Unprecedented Greenland Heatwave
According to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, May 2025 was the **second-hottest May ever recorded**, surpassed only by May 2024. A historic heatwave struck Greenland during the month, marking another alarming sign of intensifying climate change.
The report states that the **global average surface temperature in May 2025 was 1.4°C higher** than the pre-industrial average (1850–1900). This period is commonly used by climate scientists as a baseline, representing the era before large-scale industrial use of fossil fuels.
The Copernicus agency also highlighted that **spring 2025 (March to May)** in the Northern Hemisphere was the **second-warmest on record**, pointing to a consistent warming trend across seasons.
Even more concerning, **21 of the past 22 months** have recorded **average global temperatures exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels** — a threshold that climate scientists have warned should not be crossed to avoid severe environmental consequences.
While experts believe this elevated temperature streak may not be permanent, they caution that it reflects a **dangerous trajectory**. The ongoing rise in global temperatures could lead to **accelerated polar ice melt, rising sea levels, and more frequent extreme weather events**.
The report underscores the urgent need for **global climate action** to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit further warming.
