Greenhouse gas concentrations set new record in 2023: WMO

WMO – Greenhouse gas levels hit a new record in 2023, according to a report from the World Meteorological Organization forecasting “rising temperatures for many years to come.”

Carbon dioxide was reportedly accumulating in the atmosphere at the fastest pace in human existence, with concentrations increasing by 11.4 per cent over the past 20 years to hit 420.0 parts per million in 2023. Other greenhouse gasses also increased, with methane hitting 1,934 parts per billion and nitrous oxide at 336.9 parts per billion.

Large emissions from forest fires and a possible reduction in the carbon absorption by forests contributed to the increases, with high emissions from human and industrial activities also contributing.

“Another year. Another record. This should set alarm bells ringing among decision makers,” said WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.

“We are clearly off track to meet the Paris Agreement goal of limiting global warming to well below two degrees Celsius and aiming for 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels,” said Saulo. These are more than just statistics. Every part per million and every fraction of a degree temperature increase has a real impact on our lives and our planet.”

As long as emissions continue, greenhouse gases will continue accumulating in the atmosphere leading to global temperature rise, said the WMO. Given the long life of CO2 in the atmosphere, the temperature level already observed will persist for several decades even if emissions are rapidly reduced to net zero.

The last time a comparable concentration of CO2 was experienced was three to five million years ago, when the temperature was two to three degrees Celsius warmer and sea level was 10 to 20 metres higher than now, said the WMO.