39.  Passage: The relentless surge in global temperatures paints a stark picture of our planet's future. Melting glaciers, raging wildfires and unprecedented floods serve as grim reminders of the escalating crisis. A sense of urgency pervades scientific reports, echoing the desperate need for immediate and decisive action. The window of opportunity to mitigate the catastrophic effects of climate change is rapidly closing, leaving behind a legacy of irreversible damage.
Question: Which of the following words and phrases contribute to the mood of the passage?