Climate scientists released a new report on Sunday (Oct 31) showing that the past seven years are on track to be the hottest recorded in history, as world leaders gathered for the commencement of the United Nations global climate summit (COP26) in Glasgow.

The report from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) outlines that record amounts of greenhouse gas emission and accumulated heat “have propelled the planet into uncharted territory”.

It compiles data from multiple agencies and 70 world experts up to the end of September this year and makes use of key climate metrics including temperature, extreme weather, ocean heat and acidification, sea level rise, sea ice and glaciers.

“We’re showing you what’s happening in the real atmosphere. We have again broken records with the main greenhouse gases - carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide. It’s bad news,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas during a presentation of the report findings at COP26.

He noted that widespread lockdowns and the closure of major polluting industries due to the COVID-19 pandemic had not made a significant impact on the atmosphere.