Photo: New York Times
The average concentration of carbon dioxide in Earth's atmosphere has risen to its highest level in over half a century of observations, according to The New York Times, citing the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
The sharp increase in CO₂ between 2023 and 2024 is primarily attributed to the burning of fossil fuels—coal, oil, and gas—while large-scale wildfires also contributed significantly to emissions.
"Heat trapped by CO₂ and other greenhouse gases is drastically altering the climate and intensifying extreme weather events. Reducing emissions is critical for the safety of our planet and human well-being," said WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett.
The WMO also notes that droughts, rising ocean temperatures, and declining soil carbon absorption exacerbate the problem.
Since 1960, humanity has released roughly 500 billion tons of carbon into the atmosphere. Currently, China is the largest emitter, though historically, the United States leads in cumulative emissions over the industrial era.
The report also highlights concerns that the Trump administration has reduced climate monitoring programs, including emission tracking and funding for scientific observations, alarming environmental groups.
