 |
| Fires were one of the reasons carbon dioxide levels increased in the atmosphere in 2024. (Image credit: Toa55 via Getty Images) |
On October 19, 2025, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) released its annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, revealing that atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels reached a record high in 2024. The global average concentration of CO₂ surged by 3.5 parts per million (ppm) from 2023 to 2024, marking the largest annual increase since monitoring began in 1957. This unprecedented rise brings the total CO₂ concentration to approximately 423.9 ppm, a 152% increase over pre-industrial levels.
Drivers of the Surge
The sharp increase in CO₂ levels is attributed to several interrelated factors:
-
Fossil Fuel Emissions: Continued reliance on coal, oil, and natural gas for energy and transportation remains a significant contributor. While emissions from coal increased by 0.2%, oil by 0.9%, and gas by 2.4% in 2024, emissions from cement and other sources fell by 3%.
-
Wildfires: Extreme wildfires, particularly in South America and Canada, released vast amounts of CO₂ into the atmosphere. In the Amazon alone, 44.2 million acres were lost to fire, a 66% increase from 2023. These fires were exacerbated by climate change, which intensified drought conditions and reduced vegetation moisture.
-
Weakened Carbon Sinks: Natural carbon sinks, such as forests and oceans, are becoming less effective at absorbing CO₂. In the Amazon, trees are struggling to photosynthesize due to stress from higher temperatures and droughts, diminishing their role in carbon sequestration.
Global Implications
The rapid rise in CO₂ levels is accelerating climate change, leading to more extreme weather events. The WMO warns that the planet may be nearing a tipping point where vital ecosystems, like the Amazon, could shift from absorbing to emitting CO₂. This feedback loop could further exacerbate global warming.
Despite efforts to reduce emissions, global CO₂ levels continue to rise. In 2024, emissions from fossil fuels reached a new high, with coal use only 3% above 2013 levels, indicating a plateau in coal consumption. However, emissions from oil and gas continue to increase, contributing to the overall rise in CO₂ levels.
The Path Forward
The record high in CO₂ levels in 2024 underscores the urgent need for global action to mitigate climate change. The WMO emphasizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing the capacity of natural carbon sinks to absorb CO₂. Without significant intervention, the world risks entering a dangerous cycle of escalating climate impacts.
Related News:
Villagers Shoot and Kill Leopard in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Check This: Elon Musk Leads Forbes Billionaires with $492.3 Billion Fortune
Post a Comment