2023 was the warmest year on record globally, with near-surface air temperatures reaching 1.45°C above pre-industrial levels. This record warmth was accompanied by extreme weather and climate events worldwide. The paper provides an overview of these events, highlighting emerging features such as earlier occurrence of hot extremes, simultaneous hot extremes in different regions, and the exacerbation of precipitation extremes by intense cyclones. It also discusses the transition from drought to flood conditions in some regions and the increasing interactions between climate extremes and ecosystems through wildfires and sandstorms. The paper emphasizes the need for improved understanding and research to address the challenges posed by these emerging characteristics, particularly in terms of adaptation strategies. Key events include record-breaking hot extremes in spring and summer, severe flooding in North China and southern Africa, and persistent droughts in South America and southwestern China. The paper also highlights the role of anthropogenic climate change in exacerbating these events and the importance of early warning systems and impact-based forecasts for better preparedness.2023 was the warmest year on record globally, with near-surface air temperatures reaching 1.45°C above pre-industrial levels. This record warmth was accompanied by extreme weather and climate events worldwide. The paper provides an overview of these events, highlighting emerging features such as earlier occurrence of hot extremes, simultaneous hot extremes in different regions, and the exacerbation of precipitation extremes by intense cyclones. It also discusses the transition from drought to flood conditions in some regions and the increasing interactions between climate extremes and ecosystems through wildfires and sandstorms. The paper emphasizes the need for improved understanding and research to address the challenges posed by these emerging characteristics, particularly in terms of adaptation strategies. Key events include record-breaking hot extremes in spring and summer, severe flooding in North China and southern Africa, and persistent droughts in South America and southwestern China. The paper also highlights the role of anthropogenic climate change in exacerbating these events and the importance of early warning systems and impact-based forecasts for better preparedness.