UN warns: Planet on the brink of the abyss

Warmest year since records began

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has published its report on the state of the global climate in 2023.

WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo described the situation as «red alert», pointing to the highest temperatures since records began and increasingly frequent extreme weather events. According to the WMO, the globally averaged mean temperature in 2023 was 1.45 degrees higher compared to the pre-industrial era.

Sea levels and glacier melt

The global average sea level last year was higher than at any point since the start of satellite measurements in 1993. Over the past ten years, sea levels have risen twice as fast as during the first ten years of satellite measurements. The causes include both the melting of glaciers and sea ice as well as the thermal expansion of warmer water.

«The alarming WMO report makes clear that we are destroying the Earth — and thus our own basis for survival — at a breathtaking pace. Global animal agriculture bears a large share of responsibility for the climate catastrophe and other factors of environmental destruction, such as the clearing of forest areas and the rapid loss of biodiversity. The livestock industry is responsible for up to 20 percent of all greenhouse gases emitted worldwide. That is more than the entire transport sector produces, including all cars, aircraft, trucks and ships across the globe. It is important that we do not lose sight of other factors such as the use of fossil fuels. However, we can only turn the tide if we finally reconsider the consumption of animals and animal products. We are literally eating away our children's future! This is why we must move globally towards vegan organic farming. Plant-based foods have a significantly better carbon footprint compared to animal products and can be produced in a far more environmentally friendly manner. Every person living vegan contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. We must seize this opportunity together before it is too late. So that we, our descendants, and all sentient beings may continue to hope for a future worth living.»

Lisa Kainz, agricultural scientist and specialist adviser at PETA Germany

Record Low for Sea Ice

Over the course of the year, 90 percent of ocean regions had experienced a heat wave, the WMO continued. In addition, glaciers had lost more ice than in any other year since records began in 1950, predominantly in North America and Europe. The extent of Antarctic sea ice also reached a record low. The maximum extent had been one million square kilometres smaller than the previous record low: that corresponds to an area roughly the size of Germany and France combined.

You can help all animals and our planet with compassion. Choose empathy on your plate and in your glass. Go vegan.