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Greenhouse gas concentrations surge again to new record in 2023

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By illuminem briefings

· 2 min read


illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on WMO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: Greenhouse gas levels surged to record highs in 2023, with CO₂ concentrations reaching 420 ppm, the highest in millions of years, per the WMO
Accelerating emissions from human activities, vegetation fires, and weakened carbon sinks have contributed to this sharp increase
The 2023 rise in CO₂ was higher than in 2022, marking 12 consecutive years of notable growth

🔭 The context: This annual surge is tied to fossil fuel emissions and intensified by El Niño, which reduces CO₂ absorption by ecosystems
Methane and nitrous oxide, potent greenhouse gases, also saw increases, influenced by agricultural and industrial sources
These trends highlight the urgency as global CO₂ concentrations are now 151% above pre-industrial levels

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Rising greenhouse gases directly affect global warming, risking irreversible climate feedbacks like ecosystem degradation and increased wildfire emissions
Without significant reductions, warming levels are set to overmeshoot targets, exacerbating climate-driven disruptions worldwide

⏭️ What's next: The report adds pressure for urgent action at COP29, where policymakers will face growing calls to align efforts with the Paris Agreement targets
Enhanced monitoring and strategies for preserving carbon sinks are essential to avert escalating feedback cycles that further drive emissions

💬 One quote: “Every part per million and every fraction of a degree temperature increase has a real impact on our lives and our planet,” - WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo

📈 One stat: CO₂ levels have risen 11.4% in 20 years, a 42.9 ppm increase from 2004 to 2023

Click for more news covering the latest on carbon

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