The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) on Wednesday released a report saying that May 2026 was the second-hottest May ever recorded globally, with average temperatures across both land and ocean surfaces remaining at historically elevated levels.
According to the report, sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific continued to stay above normal during May.
Scientists noted that El Nino conditions are developing and are expected to strengthen over the coming months, potentially influencing weather patterns around the world.
Europe has experienced significant warming during the month. Several countries, including France, the United Kingdom, and Portugal, reported their highest May temperatures on record.
At the same time, rainfall patterns varied considerably across the continent, with some regions receiving above-average precipitation while others remained relatively dry.
Samantha Burgess, Climate Strategy Lead at the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, said the unusually early and intense heatwave across Europe highlights how extreme climate events are increasingly becoming a regular feature of today's climate.
Second-hottest May recorded globally as temperatures remain near highs
Guests at events marking the second International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations have spoken highly of the significance of the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) and commended China's contribution to promoting dialogue among civilizations, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday.
At a press conference in Beijing, spokesman Lin Jian briefed the reporters on the events held at the UN headquarters and in cities home to multiple UN entities to mark the second International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations, as well as on a report on dialogue among civilizations released by the China Institute of International Studies on the day.
"Three years ago, President Xi Jinping put forth the GCI, highlighting the need for civilizations to live together in harmony. Establishing the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations is an important step to implement the GCI. Today marks the second International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations. As the initiator, China, together with the UN and other international organizations, held a variety of events across the globe," Lin said.
"Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi delivered a video address and proposed to facilitate dialogue among civilizations from four aspects: First, champion mutual respect and promote harmonious coexistence of civilizations; second, champion putting the people first and cement the foundation of exchanges among civilizations; third, champion both heritage and innovation to drive the progress of civilization; fourth, champion exchanges and mutual learning and improve mechanisms for dialogue among civilizations," said the spokesman.
"President of Colombia Gustavo Petro, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Miguel Angel Moratinos, and heads of UN entities and other international organizations in cities including Geneva, Vienna, Nairobi, and Hague have voiced their support for the events and delivered remarks. Various parties have spoken highly of the significance of the GCI in the world and commended China's contribution to promoting dialogue among civilizations. They also call on the international community to strengthen solidarity and cooperation to promote peace and development through dialogue among civilizations," he said.
"To further review and summarize China's experience, practices and major achievements in facilitating global dialogue among civilizations, the China Institute of International Studies today released the report China's Actions for Advancing Global Civilization Dialogue, which systemically states China's concepts, policies and achievements in promoting dialogue among civilizations and also looks ahead to China's next steps in this regard. You are all welcome to read the report," Lin said.
"Joint efforts from the international community are needed to promote dialogue among civilizations. China will work with all parties to take the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations as an opportunity to draw wisdom through dialogue among civilizations to tackle global difficulties and embrace more partners in this regard so as to build a community with a shared future for humanity together," he said.
China's contribution to promoting dialogue among civilizations widely acclaimed: spokesman
