The world ’s climate has entered “ truly uncharted period ” as a result of last year ’s record high temperatures continuing into 2017 , according to the World Meteorological Organisation ( WMO ) . A report from the WMO meeting on 12 March drew attention to the unprecedented heat experienced across the globe , as well as low ice at both poles and rising sea levels . The document explained that the heightened risks of climate change - related extreme weather events can increasingly be calculated . 2017 has seen temperature records continue to tumble, in the US where February was exceptionally warm, and in Australia, where prolonged and extreme heat struck many states. As a result of such changes , Arctic heatwaves are hundreds of times more likely , whilst the high temperatures seen in Australia this year are twice as likely .
The world ’s climate has entered “ truly uncharted period ” as a result of last year ’s record high temperatures continuing into 2017 , according to the World Meteorological Organisation ( WMO ) . A report from the WMO meeting on 12 March drew attention to the unprecedented heat experienced across the globe , as well as low ice at both poles and rising sea levels . The document explained that the heightened risks of climate change - related extreme weather events can increasingly be calculated . As a result of such changes , Arctic heatwaves are hundreds of times more likely , whilst the high temperatures seen in Australia this year are twice as likely .