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January 2025 Breaks Records As the Warmest On Record, Despite La Niña Transition

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 7, 2025

The year 2025 has started with a record-breaking January, marking the warmest January on record, continuing the trend of extreme global temperatures despite the shift to the cooler La Niña weather pattern.

Key Facts

January 2025 continued the pattern of unusually high global temperatures, with the average temperature being over 1.5°C higher than pre-industrial levels in 18 of the last 19 months, according to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S).
The global temperature for January was 1.75°C higher than pre-industrial levels.
This warm streak continues even as the world shifts from the previous warming El Niño phase, which contributed to making 2024 the hottest year on record, to the cooling La Niña phase. La Niña is characterized by the cooling of equatorial Pacific waters, typically limiting the global temperature rise.

Important Quote

“The fact that we are still seeing record temperatures outside the influence of El Niño is a bit surprising,” said Samantha Burgess, strategy manager at the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.

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Key Story

El Niño peaked more than a year ago, and Copernicus estimates that La Niña has not yet fully developed, placing the world in a neutral state between the two phases.

Despite La Niña’s cooling effect, Burgess notes that it might not be enough to temporarily curb global temperatures. Other factors contributing to the heat include extreme temperatures in other ocean basins and, most importantly, the ongoing greenhouse gas emissions, which are the primary driver of global warming.

“The biggest factor contributing to climate warming is the burning of fossil fuels,” says Burgess.

Scientists from Berkeley Earth have projected that 2025 is likely to be the third warmest year on record, following 2024 and 2023. Although La Niña may cause some cooling, uncertainty remains about how it will develop.

Globally, average sea surface temperatures for January 2025 were the second highest ever recorded for the month, only slightly surpassed by January 2024.

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A New Era in US Tariffs: How American Consumers Will Feel the Impact

by News Editor

May 3, 2025

Many Americans are now experiencing the direct effects of broad tariffs that earlier seemed distant. This shift stems from the recent expiration of the de minimis exemption, which had allowed goods valued at $800 or less to enter the US without duty. This exemption was a critical factor that enabled budget-friendly e-commerce platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress to thrive in American households.

As this tax relief disappears, social media has been abuzz over the imminent increase in costs, with tariffs on Chinese imports possibly soaring up to 145%. This could lead to prices doubling for savvy shoppers previously reliant on low-cost imports.

Major shipping companies, including UPS and DHL, have stated their readiness to adapt to these changes, assuring customers of continued service despite the policy shifts.

From E-commerce Convenience to Tangible Trade Effects

The disappearance of the de minimis exemption will transform elaborate trade policy into a straightforward receipt, impacting consumer wallets directly. The initial phase of this policy change had already caused turmoil earlier this year when restrictions on imports from Hong Kong and China were implemented.

The issue of volume is significant, with congressional studies showing that 80% of all US e-commerce shipments in 2022 originated from China. Customs and Border Protection processes nearly 4 million of these shipments daily.

Consumer Reactions and Economic Impact

Low-income groups are expected to feel the most severe financial impact, as a significant portion of de minimis packages were destined for poorer areas. This trend sparks concerns about consumer spending and access to affordable goods.

Retailers are bracing for incremental price hikes, and some, including Shein and Temu, are adjusting business models to increase local fulfillment and minimize consumer impact. However, reports from platform users suggest that these efforts might not fully shield consumers from the fallout.

Despite preparations by major shippers, DHL has increased staffing to handle the anticipated surge in package clearances. Overall, goods shipped from China now face a baseline tariff increase, further constraining consumer options.

For American consumers, dealing with the end of de minimis exemptions means navigating higher prices, reflecting the broader complexities of global trade wars. As national policies shift, the challenge remains in balancing economic policy impacts with everyday consumer needs.