Greenhouse Gases Surged to New Highs in 2023, Warns UN Weather Agency
28 October 2024
Geneva, Switzerland – The United Nations’ weather agency has issued a stark warning that greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere reached new record highs in 2023, putting the world on track for catastrophic climate change.
According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the global average concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the atmosphere reached 421.2 parts per million (ppm) in 2023, up from 419.1 ppm in 2022. This represents the highest level of CO2 in the atmosphere in human history.
Methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) levels also reached new record highs in 2023, continuing a decades-long trend.
The WMO’s report, titled “The Global Climate in 2023,” shows that the increase in greenhouse gas concentrations is primarily driven by human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and agriculture. These activities release vast amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, trapping heat and contributing to global warming.
The report warns that the current rate of greenhouse gas emissions is unsustainable and will lead to severe climate impacts, including rising sea levels, more frequent and intense extreme weather events, and disruptions to food and water security.
“We are moving in the wrong direction,” said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. “The continued increase in greenhouse gas concentrations is a clear and present danger to our planet and future generations.”
The report calls for urgent action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as agreed under the Paris Agreement.
“We need to act now to avoid the worst impacts of climate change,” said Taalas. “This means reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, transitioning to renewable energy, protecting forests, and investing in climate adaptation.”
The WMO’s report also highlights the importance of monitoring and tracking greenhouse gas concentrations to inform climate policy and action.
“Observing stations around the world provide essential data to measure greenhouse gas concentrations and monitor the evolution of our climate system,” said Taalas. “This information is crucial for understanding the impacts of human activities and developing effective strategies for mitigation and adaptation.”
The WMO’s report underscores the urgent need for international cooperation and collaboration to address the climate crisis.
“No single country or organization can solve this problem alone,” said Taalas. “We need a collective effort from all nations to reduce emissions and build resilience to climate change.”
Greenhouse gases surged to new highs in 2023, warns UN weather agency
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