CO2 levels in Earth’s atmosphere jumped by a record amount in 2024

Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere jumped by a record in 2024, reaching their highest levels since measurements began, the UN World Meteorological Organization (WMO) said.

Between 2023 and 2024, average global CO2 concentrations rose by 3.5 parts per million (ppm) to reach 423.9 ppm, according to the WMO. This is the largest increase since modern measurements began in 1957, and is significantly higher than the 2.3 ppm increase in 2022-23.

This marks the latest in a trend of accelerating annual growth, with growth rates tripling since the 1960s. The last time Earth experienced comparable concentrations of CO2 was 3–5 million years ago.

Excess CO2 in the atmosphere will have a warming effect on the planet for centuries, the WMO warns. “Heat trapped by CO2 and other greenhouse gases is changing the climate and leading to even more extreme weather conditions.” Co Barrett This is stated in the WMO message.

Constant emissions from fossil fuels, along with rising emissions from forest fires And sharp decline in carbon uptake by the world's land and oceansThey were key factors in last year's record growth, according to the WMO.

Researchers expected a sharp decline in carbon sequestration by oceans, forests and other ecosystems in 2024 due to Latest El Niño weather conditionsleading to higher global temperatures and lower carbon sequestration due to heat, fires and drought in key regions such as the Amazon. The amount of tropical forest lost in 2024 was double that of 2023. scientists noted earlier this year. “It is normal that some tropical lands become drier and store less carbon during warm El Niño years such as 2024,” says Richard Allan at the University of Reading, UK.

But there are concerns that such a reduction in the planet's carbon absorption – especially Earth – is part of a long-term trend that could mean climate change is weakening the planet's ability to absorb excess carbon.

“There has been some speculation that land uptake was particularly low in 2023 and 2024, even during El Niño years, and that there has been an alarming decline over time. especially in the northern hemisphere outside the tropics“, – speaks Zeke Housefater, climate scientist at the Breakthrough Institute. “In short, there are worrying signs that land runoff in particular is declining, but it is too early to say with certainty without several more years of data.”

Meanwhile, it is more important than ever for humanity to limit current fossil fuel emissions, he says. Piers Forster at the University of Leeds, UK. “The main reason for the continued growth [in CO2 concentrations] Fossil fuel emissions are at an all-time high and are not yet falling.”