The World Meteorological Organization reported record greenhouse gas levels in 2023, with carbon dioxide reaching 420 ppm, locking in future temperature rises despite potential emissions reductions. Contributing factors include natural events like El Niño and severe wildfires, which exacerbate emissions. The report emphasizes the urgent need for global action as temperatures and greenhouse gas concentrations continue to rise, with climate warming now at 51.5 percent above 1990 levels.
In 2023, the Earth experienced record greenhouse gas levels, with atmospheric carbon dioxide reaching a concentration of 420 parts per million (ppm), a milestone unseen for three to five million years according to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). This unprecedented concentration signals a climate trajectory that guarantees future temperature increases, even with potential reductions in emissions to net zero. The WMO report, published ahead of the Cop29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, details that the last year’s increase of 2.3 ppm in carbon dioxide marks the twelfth consecutive annual rise above 2 ppm, reflecting a 151 percent increase compared to pre-industrial levels. Contributing factors to this surge included natural events such as El Niño and severe wildfires, which the report highlights as exacerbating greenhouse gas emissions. According to WMO deputy secretary-general Ko Barrett, climate change is leading ecosystems to function as larger sources of greenhouse gases, further compounding the issue. Global carbon emissions from wildfires in 2023 surpassed the average by 16 percent, highlighted by devastating fire seasons in Canada and Australia’s historically dry conditions. Methane concentrations also surged, reaching 1,934 parts per billion—265 percent above pre-industrial figures—while nitrous oxide concentrations hit 336.9 parts per billion, a 125 percent increase. Approximately 50 percent of emitted CO2 remains in the atmosphere, with variations based on climatic phenomena. The WMO points out that greenhouse gases are now heating the Earth 51.5 percent more than in 1990, with CO2 accounting for four-fifths of this rise. Notably, CO2 persists in the atmosphere for extended periods, indicating that temperature increases will remain even against immediate emission reduction efforts. With CO2 levels at a historic high and climate warming due to greenhouse gases markedly altered, the WMO calls for urgent global interventions. Every increment in temperature and concentration greatly impacts lives and ecosystems, urging decisive action from global leaders ahead of the Cop29 discussions in Baku.
The article discusses the alarming rise in greenhouse gas levels as reported by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) in 2023. This rise poses significant threats to the climate system, as concentrations seen this year have not been recorded for millions of years. Understanding the implications of such emissions is crucial for global leaders and policymakers as they approach international climate agreements and discussions.
The WMO’s findings underscore a critical juncture in the climate crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for international cooperation and decisive measures to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. The unprecedented levels of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide and their long-lasting impacts on climate indicate that the trajectory of global warming necessitates immediate attention and accountability from global leaders ahead of upcoming climate summits.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
