This benchmark series, Global Climate Highlights, was initiated in 2020 and provides an annual, standardised assessment of the state of the global climate.

The series is produced by the Copernicus Climate Change Service to deliver a consistent, high-level overview of global climate conditions using a repeatable structure each year. It is designed to support year-on-year comparability rather than detailed event-level analysis.

Methodologically, the series is primarily based on the ERA5 global atmospheric reanalysis produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, alongside other internationally recognised datasets. Common reference periods, definitions, and analytical approaches are applied across all editions to ensure internal consistency over time.

The purpose of this benchmark series is to establish a reliable and comparable baseline for monitoring global climate evolution. It supports longitudinal assessment of climate conditions and provides context for understanding changes relative to historical reference frameworks.

For finance professionals, the series can be used as a trusted input into physical climate risk analysis, scenario development, and strategic planning. It supports integration of climate considerations into investment processes, risk management, and climate-related reporting by offering a stable, authoritative reference that is updated annually.