The UN warned that CO₂ levels rose by a record in 2024, with CO₂, methane, and nitrous oxide all hitting all-time highs, highlighting the urgent need to cut emissions.
Multiple Factors Driving the Surge
The WMO attributed the record CO₂ spike to fossil fuel emissions, increased wildfires, and reduced CO₂ absorption by land and oceans. The agency warned that these compounding factors are pushing the Earth toward a dangerous feedback loop.
The findings were released just weeks ahead of the COP30 UN Climate Summit scheduled for November 10–21 in Belém, Brazil, where world leaders will discuss pathways to curb global warming.
Paris Agreement Goals Under Threat
The rise in greenhouse gases defies the 2015 Paris Agreement goals, with the WMO warning that land and oceans are losing their ability to absorb CO₂.
A Vicious Climate Feedback Cycle
Scientists warn the planet may enter a “vicious cycle” where rising emissions increase temperatures, fueling wildfires and weakening oceans’ CO₂ absorption. This self-reinforcing loop could accelerate global warming and destabilize natural systems. WMO’s Oksana Tarasova warned that rapid emission cuts are needed, as feedback loops like melting permafrost could trigger dangerous tipping points.
Concentrations Reach Record Highs
In its 21st annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, the WMO reported that in 2024:
- CO₂ concentrations reached 424 parts per million (ppm) — a 3.5 ppm increase from 2023 and the largest ever recorded.
- Methane rose to 1,942 parts per billion (ppb).
- Nitrous oxide climbed to 338 ppb.
Of the three gases, CO₂ accounts for about 66% of the warming effect, methane contributes 16%, and nitrous oxide adds around 6%.
Human Activities Remain the Dominant Cause
The WMO reaffirmed that human activities—especially burning coal, oil, and gas, along with agriculture and waste—drive most greenhouse gas emissions. Although methane lasts only ~10 years, it warms the planet far more than CO₂, and meanwhile, nitrous oxide from fertilizers continues to rise.
Science, Not Belief
Responding to growing climate skepticism, Tarasova emphasized the scientific foundation of the findings. He said, “Climate change is not a religion. It’s a science. What we are doing is making measurements and delivering the data.”
Urgent Call for Action
MSN reported that the WMO urged nations to quickly cut CO₂ emissions, warning that without immediate action, climate feedbacks could worsen global warming for generations.
