PARIS — Global greenhouse gas levels hit new records in 2023, sparking a renewed warning from the United Nations that the world is veering off course in the race to prevent catastrophic climate change. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the concentration of major greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, is climbing faster than ever, despite the urgent need to curb emissions.
The WMO’s findings come just weeks before the COP29 summit in Azerbaijan, where nations will discuss their climate commitments. The data indicates that current policies are insufficient to meet the temperature goals set in the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Instead, global temperature rises are set to exceed this threshold, bringing devastating consequences for ecosystems and communities worldwide.
In parallel, a new UN report shows that, while there has been progress in some areas, the world remains far from achieving the necessary 43 percent cut in emissions by 2030 to prevent severe climate impacts. Current plans, if unchanged, are projected to reduce emissions by just 2.6 percent, a fraction of what’s needed.
“This isn’t just a climate issue; it’s a global economic and social emergency,” said Simon Stiell, UN climate chief. “The current climate plans leave us vastly unprepared for what’s coming.” Stiell urged for more ambitious targets and transformative changes to energy and industry sectors, warning that inadequate action will lead to widespread environmental and economic upheaval.
The rising greenhouse gas concentrations reflect increased emissions from energy, agriculture, and industrial sectors. CO2 levels alone are now 51 percent higher than pre-industrial levels, reaching 420 parts per million (ppm) this year. Scientists note that the last time Earth experienced similar CO2 levels, sea levels were up to 20 meters higher, and temperatures were considerably warmer.
Celeste Saulo, head of the WMO, expressed concern that without an immediate shift to sustainable energy sources, climate feedback mechanisms could worsen the situation. “If warming persists, we could see natural carbon stores, like forests and oceans, start releasing stored carbon, accelerating the warming process,” she noted.
With time running short, climate leaders are pushing for bolder policies and urging a rapid transition to renewable energy. As the COP29 summit approaches, pressure is mounting on global governments to establish concrete, far-reaching plans to avoid a global climate catastrophe.
