2023 confirmed as hottest year on record - in pictures

Wildfire in Ogan Ilir on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Such fires were commonplace in 2023, which scientists have confirmed as the hottest year on record. All photos: Getty Images
Wildfire in Ogan Ilir on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Such fires were commonplace in 2023, which scientists have confirmed as the hottest year on record. All photos: Getty Images
Dwindling water levels at Woodhead Reservoir in Glossop, England, during the UK's hottest June on record
Dwindling water levels at Woodhead Reservoir in Glossop, England, during the UK's hottest June on record
A crowded beach in Rio de Janeiro during a record heatwave in Brazil
A crowded beach in Rio de Janeiro during a record heatwave in Brazil
A digital thermometer in Madrid
A digital thermometer in Madrid
Burnt-out shops along the coast road in Kiotari, Rhodes, after the Greek island was ravaged by wildfires
Burnt-out shops along the coast road in Kiotari, Rhodes, after the Greek island was ravaged by wildfires
A woman cools herself down with a fan in Beijing
A woman cools herself down with a fan in Beijing
People brave the high temperatures on Blackpool beach in England
People brave the high temperatures on Blackpool beach in England
A man prepares to fight flames as they engulf a hillside in Apollana, Rhodes
A man prepares to fight flames as they engulf a hillside in Apollana, Rhodes
A woman drinks from a public fountain during a sizzling heatwave in Madrid
A woman drinks from a public fountain during a sizzling heatwave in Madrid
A raging wildfire outside in Newcastle, Australia
A raging wildfire outside in Newcastle, Australia
People struggle in the baking sun at the Acropolis in Athens
People struggle in the baking sun at the Acropolis in Athens