A fter the world’s hottest summer since records began in 1850, the death toll from extreme weather in 2026 is already in the high tens of thousands. That is a conservative estimate and is certain to rise much higher.

As Cop31 continues and scientists warn that climate breakdown may be accelerating , the Guardian looks back at a year of droughts, fires and floods as a reminder that, unless the world takes urgent action to cut emissions, this disastrous year will be one of the best of the rest of our lives.

Chart showing how the past four years have overturned all monthly temperature records

J anuary

Fourth-hottest January on record

A fire in Longwood, a town in Victoria, Australia, in early January. Photograph: Michael Currie/AAP

Extreme heat fuels wildfires in Australia

As temperatures jump nearly 20C (68F) above average , Victoria and other southern states register new heat records, including 50C in Port Augusta and the tiny opal mining town of Andamooka.…