Climate change is ‘off the charts’ and presents a ‘defining challenge’ to humanity, a damning new report warns today.   

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says several climate records were broken and in some cases ‘smashed’ last year.

Greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean heat and acidification, sea level rises, and Antarctic ice loss all escalating in 2023 due to fossil fuel emissions. 

‘Sirens are blaring across all major indicators,’ said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres. 

‘Some records aren’t just chart-topping, they’re chart-busting – and changes are speeding-up.’ 

The WMO’s State of the Global Climate report, published today, confirms that the year 2023 broke ‘every single climate indicator’. 

TEMPERATURES  

WMO confirmd that 2023 was the warmest year on record, as already announced by the UN’s Copernicus climate change programme in January. 

The global average near-surface air temperature for the year was at 2.61°F (1.45°C) above the pre-industrial average (1850 to 1900).

Before 2023, the two previous warmest years were 2016 (2.32°F/1.29°C above the 1850–1900 average) and 2020 (2.28°F/1.27°F above the 1850–1900 average). 

What’s more, the past nine years – between 2015 and 2023 – were the nine warmest years on record.

But the experts admit that the shift to ‘El Niño’ conditions in the middle of 2023 contributed to a rapid rise in temperature from 2022 to 2023. 

El Niño is natural climate phenomenon where there’s warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator. 

GREENHOUSE GASES 

Temperatures are largely fueled by greenhouse gas emissions, and these continued to climb in 2023. 

WMO says data for concentrations of the three main greenhouse gases in the air (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) are not yet available for the whole of 2023, but in 2022 they reached ‘new highs’. 

Globally averaged concentrations were 417.9 parts per million (ppm) for carbon dioxide (CO2), 1,923 parts per billion (ppb) for methane (CH4), and 335.8 ppb for nitrous oxide (N2O).

Respectively, this marks an alarming rise of 150 per cent, 264 per cent and 124 per cent compared with greenhouse gas concentrations levels in the year 1750. 

‘For more than 250 years, the burning of oil, gas and coal has filled the atmosphere with greenhouse gasses,’ said Dr Friederike Otto, climate lecturer at Imperial College London, who wasn’t involved in the report. 

‘The result is the dire situation we are in today – a rapidly heating climate with dangerous weather, suffering ecosystems and rising sea-levels, as outlined by the WMO report.

‘To stop things from getting worse, humans need to stop burning fossil fuels. It really is that simple.

‘If we do not stop burning fossil fuels, the climate will continue to warm, making life more dangerous, more unpredictable, and more expensive for billions of people on earth.’

OCEAN HEAT 

Although the main metric for measuring how hot the planet is getting is air temperatures, WMO also tracks how hot the world’s waters are getting. 

Numerous adverse effects result from ocean warming, including accelerated melting of Earth’s ice sheets and sea level rise due to thermal expansion. 

Ocean species are also threatened, including coral which become ‘bleached’ white due to the stress of higher temperatures.  

Meanwhile, CO2 dissolving in the ocean causes acidification of the waters, which makes it harder for marine life such as lobsters, shrimp and coral reefs to survive. 

WMO says the overall temperature of Earth’s oceans have risen since 1960 and ‘it is expected that warming will continue’. 

The Southern Ocean is the largest reservoir of heat, accounting for around 32 per cent of the ocean heat increase since 1958. 

The Atlantic Ocean accounts for around 31 per cent, while the Pacific Ocean makes up around 26 per cent. 

SEA LEVELS 

Rising sea levels can cause disastrous flooding, forcing authorities to spend millions on flood defences and even force people to flee their homes. 

This is largely being caused by the increased melting of land-based ice, such as glaciers and ice sheets.

Again, in 2023, global mean sea levels reached a record high since they first started to be tracked with satellites, in 1993. 

According to the WMO, average sea level rises went from 0.08-inch (2.13mm) per year between 1993 and 2002, to 0.13-inch (3.33mm) per year between 2003 to 2012, and finally 0.18-inch (4.77mm) per year between 2014 and 2023. 

Although this may not sound like much, Professor Jonathan Bamber, director of the Bristol Glaciology Centre at the University of Bristol, said this could lead to catastrophic long-term change. 

‘Our own research indicates that, if greenhouse gas emissions continue unabated, there is a small chance that we could experience up to a 2 metre rise by 2100,’ he said.

‘This would truly be catastrophic for civilisation with the potential to displace around a tenth of the population of the planet. 

‘We are looking at the disappearance of small island nation states in the not too distant future and inundation of heavily populated coastal zones.’

MELTING ICE 

Due to the higher surface and ocean temperatures, ice in the Antarctic reached a record low since records began in 1979. 

September’s annual maximum – when Antarctic ice is usually at its greatest extent due to colder temperatures – was 6.54 million sq miles (16.96 million sq km). 

This is roughly 5.7 million sq miles (1.5 million sq km) below the 1991-2020 average and 386,000 sq miles (1 million sq km2) below the previous record low maximum.

In the northern hemisphere meanwhile, the Greenland Ice Sheet – the world’s second-biggest ice sheet after Antarctic – continued to lose mass in 2023. 

Combining the two ice sheets, average rates of mass loss increased from 105 gigatonnes per year from 1992-1996 to 372 gigatonnes per year from 2016–2020. 

The world’s glaciers – which reflect sunlight back into space and help keep the planet cool – likely suffered ‘the largest loss of ice on record’ since 1950. 

In Switzerland, which relies on ice for the ski season, glaciers have lost around 10 per cent of their remaining volume in the past two years.

‘If that trend continues then we could see much of the Alps devoid of glaciers in a matter of decades,’ said Professor Bamber.

‘That is something that few, if any of us, would have expected see happen so rapidly.’  

Researchers also warn that extreme weather events including floods, tropical cyclones, drought, and wildfires, are linked with the warming of the planet and so will likely keep occurring. 

These will hit ‘vulnerable populations’ in countries without the ability to respond adequately already hit by food insecurity, such as Somalia, Sudan and Syria. 

‘Climate change can intensify existing inequalities and social and economic pressures, placing further pressure on the people and places who are already under stress and who have often done the least to cause climate change in the first place,’ said Dr Leslie Mabon, lecturer in environmental systems at The Open University. 

Professor Tina van de Flierdt, head of the Department of Earth Science and Engineering at Imperial College London, called the new report ‘alarming’. 

‘Generally, the data in the report reinforces that climate change is not a distant threat – it is here now, and it is already impacting lives worldwide,’ she said. 

‘However, it is important to note that we are not yet locked into this trajectory. 

‘The future is in our hands, and ongoing climate projects and greater use of clean energy sources offer hope for a just and resilient future.’ 

British inflation fell more than expected last month, to the lowest level in more than two years.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said consumer price index inflation was 3.4% in February – down from 4% in January and the lowest level since September 2021.

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Most economists had expected inflation to reach 3.5% last month.

Inflation is now closer to the Bank of England’s 2% target ahead of tomorrow’s latest interest rate decision.

Policymakers are widely expected to leave rates unchanged at 5.25%, but the sharp drop could push the Bank closer to a rate cut later this year.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt said: “The plan is working. Inflation has not only fallen decisively, but is expected to reach the 2% target within months.

“This sets the stage for better economic conditions that could enable further progress in our ambition to boost growth and make work pay by abolishing national insurance, as we work to eliminate double taxation on work – but only if we can do it without increasing borrowing.” or cutting funding for public services.”

Inflation is a measure of how the price of goods and services has changed over the past year.

Grant Fitzner, chief economist at the ONS, said: “Inflation fell to the lowest level in almost two-and-a-half years in February.

“Food prices were the main driver of the decline, with prices remaining virtually unchanged this year compared to a large increase last year, while price increases in restaurants and cafes also slowed.

“These declines were only partially offset by price increases at the pump and a further increase in rental costs.”

Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices rose 5% in the period to February 2024, up from 7% in January.

This figure is the lowest annual figure since January 2022.

On a monthly basis, food inflation rose 0.2% – far less than the steep increases seen a year earlier.

The annual figure for restaurants and hotels also fell in February, from 7.1% in January to 6%.

It comes after inflation unexpectedly rose to 4% at the end of last year.

It was the first time since February 2023 that interest rates rose and came as a surprise to many economists.

High inflation means the cost of daily necessities, such as food and energy, is rising, which means your money doesn’t go as far.

What it means for your money

High inflation means the cost of daily necessities is rising and therefore your money doesn’t go as far.

When inflation falls, it doesn’t mean that prices stop rising, just that they rise more slowly.

Alice Haine, personal finance analyst at Bestinvest, said: “Falling inflation will certainly be welcomed by households whose finances have been forced to absorb rising price increases during the peak cost of living.

“Of course, prices are still rising, but at a slower pace – a huge comfort considering inflation reached a worrying high of 11.1% in October 2022.”

The Bank of England (BoE) and the British central bank may increase the key interest rate in an attempt to reduce inflation.

This is good news for people who have savings, as they may see a boost.

It’s bad news for homeowners because it also means mortgage rates will rise, meaning more pressure for homeowners.

But falling inflation is providing some support for mortgage holders and potential buyers hoping for interest rate cuts.

The Bank’s base rate is currently 5.25% and the Central Bank will meet again tomorrow (March 21).

Alice said: ‘Most households would welcome a rate cut tomorrow, but the BoE is expected to keep rates at current levels for the fifth time in a row, after fourteen consecutive increases between December 2021 and August 2023.

“With the first rate cut not expected until the summer, all eyes are on what the central bank has to say tomorrow to see if there are indications of earlier action.”

This means borrowing costs could remain higher for longer as the BoE waits for more consistent evidence that inflation is slowing.

Do you have a money problem that needs to be solved? Get in touch by emailing money@the-sun.co.uk.

Moreover, you can join us Sun Money chats and tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories.

THE number of homeowners in arrears on their mortgages has reached its highest level since 2016.

Defaults have risen by 50.3 percent since last year, and by 9.2 percent on the previous quarter, with outstanding balances rising to £20.3 billion.

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The big jump comes after homeowners saw their monthly mortgage bills double — or even triple — as they moved away from interest rates set in 2021.

Due to the higher interest rates, the average mortgage increased last year from 2.25 percent to no less than six percent.

But experts point out that this figure is still well below levels seen after the 2008 financial crisis, when £43.57 billion of mortgage debt was in arrears.

Around 1.6 million households had to refinance their fixed rates last year and faced an annual increase in housing costs of £2,300.

Economists said the higher interest rates would cost UK mortgage holders an extra £12 billion.

While there is hope that the Bank of England will cut interest rates, the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has gloomily suggested that there will be no immediate relief for homeowners.

She predicts that mortgage interest rates will remain around four percent until 2027.

Mortgage rates are priced lower than bank rates, which are expected to fall to 4.2 percent by the end of this year and fall to 3.5 percent in 2027, according to the OBR.

The current bank rate is 5.25 percent, but the average mortgage rate rose to 5.76 percent last month.

Rachel Springall, financial expert at Moneyfacts, said: “Lenders responded to the change in swap rates, leading to numerous repricings of fixed rate deals. It has been a challenging time for borrowers and brokers.”

Industry experts have warned that homeowners will face mortgage pain for years as interest rate increases take longer to work their way through the market.

This is because Britain is largely dominated by fixed rate mortgages, rather than tracker loans.

Those with fixed rates will only face higher bills when it comes time to take out a new mortgage or move.

Lego makes a quidditch

Excitement among Muggles over Harry Potter figures and Fortnite sets helped boost sales at Lego, despite bosses saying this was “the most negative toy market in more than 15 years”.

Boss Niels B Christiansen said Lego beat its rivals last year, including Barbie maker Mattel, which had gotten a lift from the buzz around the blockbuster.

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Lego increased sales by 2 percent to £7.5 billion, although profits fell 5 percent to £1.95 billion.

Domino’s ambition of 700 stores

DOMINO’S is trying to eat its rivals’ lunch with a plan to open a further 700 stores in Britain over the next decade.

The pizza chain, which currently has 1,300 branches, wants to reach 2,000 by the end of 2033.

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This would make Domino’s bigger than McDonalds, but still lag far behind Greggs, which plans 3,000 locations.

Domino’s boss Andrew Rennie said he wants to boost sales by expanding the lunch business with a £4 meal deal, including a 600-calorie pizza and wrap.

Mr Rennie told The Sun: “In other countries Domino’s does 20 to 25 per cent of sales at lunch, but here it’s only about 15 per cent.

“That’s why we’re launching a £4 lunch offer with cheeky pizza and wraps, because we know people want a lighter option at lunchtime.”

The pizza chain is also buying out its largest Irish franchisee for £61 million.

Starling boss hire

DIGITAL lender Starling Bank has poached the boss of Ovo Energy as its new CEO.

Ovo, owned by billionaire Stephen Fitzpatrick, announced yesterday that Raman Bhatia would step down for a new leadership role outside the industry.

Minutes later, Starling Bank confirmed Mr. Bhatia’s appointment as CEO.

The recruitment comes in anticipation of a much-discussed stock exchange listing.

Aldi wage increase in price war

ALDI has increased staff wages again to fend off competition from competitors.

The discount supermarket said it wants to remain Britain’s “highest paying supermarket” and will increase the pay of store workers from £12 to £12.40 per hour – and for workers within the M25, wages will rise from £13.55 to £13.65.

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High street chains have spent tens of millions of pounds on increasing wages for their staff.

Aldi has spent £79m on raising wages this year and will recruit 5,500 new jobs as it plans to open more stores.

The move comes after a series of increases from Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, M&S, Co-op and John Lewis.

The retail pay rises come despite official figures yesterday showing that UK wage growth slowed last quarter.

The Bank of England fears a wage spiral will lead to prices rising as companies pass on higher staff costs to consumers.

Building blues for business

THE house building company Persimmon yesterday halved its annual profit and warned of a difficult year ahead.

Pre-tax profits fell from £730.7 million to £351.8 million.

The number of home completions fell by a third from 14,868 in 2022 to 9,922.

Persimmon chairman Roger Devlin said demand for housing remained high but “mortgage affordability and availability are difficult for many of our customers, especially first-time buyers”.

Persimmon was one of eight housebuilders targeted by the Competition and Markets Authority last month.

There were concerns it would share sensitive information that could affect house prices by reducing the supply of new homes.

Nothing beats an easy top with cap sleeves. Whether you’re heading to the office or going out on the town with your girls, opting for this type of garment will allow your arms to catch the breeze in a stylish way. Now that you’re likely starting to plan your transitional outfits for spring, it’s essential to find a few cap sleeve tops to add to your wardrobe.

If you’re looking for an elegant blouse or a classic shirt silhouette, there’s a cap sleeve top to suit you. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up 17 cap sleeve tops that will take any transitional outfit to the next level — read on to see our picks!

1. Daily Essential: This casual top is perfect for any spring, summer, fall or winter event – cost $30, now only $19!

2. Cabinet Staple: Nothing beats a plain white T-shirt, and this cT-shirt with round neck and ap sleeves has a versatile feel – just $20!

3. Stay warm: If you’re more hesitant to switch to breezy spring essentials, here’s next llightweight sleeveless sweater will keep you warm and comfortable – was $25, now just $20!

4. V-Neck Energy: This ctop with ap sleeves features a chic V-neckline for a touch of edginess — just $12!

5. Ruffle Queen: For those who prefer flair with their ensembles, this t. with ruffle sleeveson is right up your alley – just $23!

6. Close-fitting Flexibility: If you like form-fitting options, you’ll love this ribbed T-shirt (since the T-shirts are in!) – was $22, just now $17!

7. 80s Nostalgia: Doesn’t this top just radiate 80s chic? This ctop with ap sleeves has thick sleeves that add to the vintage look — plain $20!

8. Casually Dotted: This pure ctop with ap sleeves has polka dot sleeves for a fun touch — plain $15!

9. Office Chic: Sometimes you want to show your stylish side at the office. This Rtop with ruffles and cap sleeves will help you do just that – simply $20!

10. Draped Elegance: When the moment calls for a sexy, high-end outfit, this sweetheart side draped top will complete your vibe perfectly — just $110!

11. Clean Decadence: We love this cropped tee because it feels so fashionable, but it’s incredibly simple: only $155!

12. Tropical Babe: Calling all print lovers! This printed top features dramatic sleeves and a bold print that will turn heads — only $250!

13. Backless Edge: This open back top is suitable for formal or informal events. You can pair it with jeans and sneakers or a ruffled skirt and pumps – the choice is yours – for just $128!

14. High Neck Refinement: This Hhigh neck top is a neutral option with a sloppy fit that you’ll lean towards – plain $19!

15. Plaid Vibes: Throw this Ptop with button closure with cut-off shorts and boots or sneakers for a sporty, relaxed outfit – was now just $29 $20!

16. Business Casual: This Polka dot top goes with pencil skirts, pants, jeans and more — simply $20!

17. Airy Neutrals: Pair this cotton cap sleeve crew with sweatpants or leggings for easy, do-it-all attire – just $125!

A DEDICATED follower of thrift store fashion has discovered the appeal of Paris’s flea markets.

They are, she said, on a different level when it comes to designer labels.

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There was almost too much choice and she was blown away when she discovered shoes for $30.

“They’re coming home with me,” she said.

The fashion capital of the world is known for its legendary haute couture.

But for those on a tight budget, the flea market is where it all turns.

Sydnee Zora (@sydneezora) is a newcomer to this special attraction in Paris.

“Flea markets in Paris, this is what thrift store heaven looks like. They are on a different level,” she said in her after.

This was a thrift store expedition she wouldn’t forget.

“This one experience spoiled me so much,” she said.

“I have the feeling that I will never look at recycling in the same way again.”

With a few spare hours before heading to the airport, she visited one of the capital’s many flea markets.

Sydnee was stunned by the number of designer labels she found.

There was Gucci, Dolce & Gabban, Moschino and YSL.

But the prices weren’t as cheap as she expected.

“It was interesting because the prices varied a lot,” she wrote.

“I expected everything to be cheap, but it was broader,” she said.

“You can get a good piece of clothing for a dollar, but some of the nicer fur coats cost between $55 and $110.”

But she found something that was in her luggage.

“The designer selection here amazed me. By the way, we brought home these Dolce & Gabbana kitten heels.

‘They had my size. That was the intention. I think I paid thirty dollars for it.”

This was a tourist attraction in Paris that she would return to.

“Honestly, I think I could have spent all day in this one market,” she said.

The commentators were green with envy and wanted to go there immediately.

“So I have to take empty luggage,” one person said.

‘I can’t even look at this, it’s painful. It’s too good,” said another.

“The Gucci and Dior shoes literally made me gasp,” said a third person.

But there was some inside information for would-be flea market shoppers.

“The Paris markets are second to none. Monmarté, just on the outskirts of Paris, is absolutely great for reasonably priced vintage,” said another veteran flea market fan.

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THERE was only one player who would ever get Bayern Munich out of another mess.

Harry Kane maintained his hopes – however slim – of appearing in the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1.

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The England captain-striker plundered goals numbers 32 and 33 of the season to send Bayern to the quarter-finals, but it looks like they will still do well to reach the last four.

Kane, who now averages one goal per game in Germany, is world class, unlike most of his teammates. He struck in both halves with his goals coming from a Thomas Muller header.

For Kane it was his first Champions League knockout goal since Dortmund were away, five years to the day.

Tottenham found their way to the final against all odds in 2019 and looking at this current Bayern team, it would be an even bigger surprise if they went all the way in the end.

But with Bayern 10 points behind Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga and having been dumped out of the German Cup in November, Kane at least has something to hold on to.

Unsurprisingly, he was all smiles at the Allianz Arena as the majority of the 75,000 crowd joined the PA announcer in repeatedly shouting ‘Harry’ after both of his robberies.

Also joining the celebrations was Eric Dier, who was left out of the Tottenham team for the first half of the season by Ange Postecoglou but is now impressing in his unlikely spell at Bayern.

In his eighth appearance for the club, Dier played well, albeit against Maurizio Sarri’s limited Lazio side, but it was no surprise who eased the nerves for Bayern.

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The tie was effectively reversed within two minutes as had Italian striker Ciro Immobile scored an easy header from close range, Bayern would likely have bottled it, as they have done for much of this season.

Shortly afterwards, Kane anticipated a miss from Raphael Guerreiro, stuck his head out and sent the ball past Ivan Provedel, who should have done better.

Muller played a role in the build-up to the first goal and then headed in the second goal in injury time of the first half. Although Lazio were hoping for the linesman’s flag, Muller was played onside by former West Ham midfielder Felipe Anderson.

And from then on, the pressure lifted from Tuchel’s under-fire team, which, despite Dier getting decent ratings in central defence, is still a bit shabby at the back.

Fortunately for Bayern, Lazio are very mediocre and when goalkeeper Provedel spilled Leroy Sane’s shot in the 66th minute, Kane would never miss the rebound.

Kane has now scored more goals than last season in 16 fewer games and looks confident of bettering his all-time high of 41 goals in 2017/18.

So it would be even more heartbreaking for Kane if he still doesn’t win anything in the end.

CHOCOLATE makers are shrinking Easter eggs and raising prices – as the cost of cocoa has hit a 40-year high.

Storms and disease have devastated crops in Ghana and Ivory Coast in West Africa, and experts predict the problem will get worse.

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Record prices will take off as last year’s cocoa producers run out of cocoa, meaning Brits will start paying more even as food inflation fall.

According to data from market researcher Assosia for The Sun, a 220g Kinder Surprise Giant Egg now costs £13.13 – a 16.7 per cent increase on last year’s £11.25, and a Lindt Lindor milk chocolate egg from 215 grams costs £9.50 – 22.5 per cent more than £7.75.

The prices of Thorntons, Ferrero Rocher and Maltesers eggs have also risen.

A Cadbury Dairy Milk Easter Egg has now shrunk from 286 grams to 245 grams, according to analysis by major supermarket chains.

On the financial markets, the cocoa price in February was £5,258 per tonne, but in 2023 it will be £2,093.

The International Cocoa Organization predicts a 10.9 percent drop in production by 2024 and a global shortage.

Cadbury owner Mondelez International said it faced significantly higher input costs, particularly for ingredients such as cocoa and sugar, making the products “much more expensive to make”.

It said: “As a result, we have made a number of deliberate cost increases to our Easter range.”

Analysts said some companies were trying to cut costs by filling eggs and bars with nuts, caramel or other flavors to reduce the cocoa content.

SLUMP DAY GIRL

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THE music royalty fund that owns the rights to songs including Blondie’s Sunday Girl and tunes from Red Hot Chili Peppers has been given another bad note by investors after its valuation was slashed by a quarter.

HIPGNOSIS, which has spent billions buying thousands of song rights, said an independent audit put it at a valuation of £1.52 billion, around 26 percent lower than in September.

It is another blow to the FTSE 250 Songs fund, which had promised investors a steady, low-risk income from song royalties. Instead, the company has suffered shareholder revolts and legal battles with founder Merck Mercuriadis.

Shares fell nearly 10 percent yesterday.

AJ Bell’s Russ Mold said: “Hipgnosis has been cast aside as a one-hit wonder boy band.”

M&S BOSS APPEALS TO GOVT

GOVERNMENT policies make running a retailer ‘like walking up an escalator with a backpack on your back’, the head of MARKS & SPENCER claimed yesterday.

Stuart Machin said on LinkedIn that the government has work to do to better understand the retail sector, which employs three million people and pays £17 billion in taxes.

Ahead of tomorrow’s Budget, Machin called on Chancellor Jeremy Hunt to cut annual business rates in line with the lower inflation rate of 4 percent, from the current 7 percent.

Mr Machin also urged the Chancellor to bring back duty-free shopping for tourists and widen the scope of the apprenticeship levy.

The pleas come as retailers compete to raise wages to retain workers, raising fears of higher inflation.

Electrical chain Currys is raising its minimum wage to £12 per hour.