Greenhouse gas levels reached new record highs in 2023
The United Nations reported that greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere surged again in 2023, presenting the possibility that further global warming is likely to follow.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Secretary-General Celeste Saulo warned humanity is unlikely to meet the Paris Agreement’s goal.
The Paris Climate Accord involves numerous countries pledging to lower global warming to 2°C. However, the Greenhouse Gas Bulletin cautions that the world faces a “potential vicious cycle.”
Article continues after this advertisementHow much have greenhouse gas levels increased?
📈 Record-breaking greenhouse gas levels surged again in 2023!
— World Meteorological Organization (@WMO) October 28, 2024
📢 Stay informed for effective #ClimateAction—explore the World Meteorological Organization's full Greenhouse Gas Bulletin for more: https://t.co/7QuklMHZ5g pic.twitter.com/MTY8avSEbP
According to the official WMO website, carbon dioxide (CO2) is accumulating in the atmosphere by more than 10 percent within 20 years.
READ: Momentick helps firms track their gas emissions with AI
That means CO2 levels have been building up in the air faster than ever in recorded history. Specifically, globally averaged surface concentrations reached 420.0 parts per million (ppm).
Article continues after this advertisementThat is 151 percent of pre-industrial levels before 1750, based on the Global Atmosphere Watch’s long-term observations.
“Another year, another record,” WMO chief Saulo said.
“This should set alarm bells ringing among decision-makers. We are clearly off track to meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to well below 2°C…,” Saulo also said.
The WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin is one of the organization’s flagship publications for informing the UN Climate Change conference.
It’s now in its 20th issue, and the carbon dioxide level has increased by 11.4 percent (42.9 ppm), higher than 377.1 ppm in 2004.
“The Bulletin warns that we face a potential vicious cycle,” said WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett.
“Natural climate variability plays a big role in carbon cycle. But in the near future, climate change itself could cause ecosystems to become larger sources of greenhouse gases.”
Consequently, more CO2 could stay in the atmosphere to accelerate global warming. These climate feedbacks are critical concerns to human society,” Barrett warned.
