Levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continue to rise and the consequences for the climate are already being felt, warns the UN.
Constantly increasing gas concentrations
According to the World Meteorological Organization, concentrations of the main gases responsible for global warming – carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) – reached new highs in 2023. The WMO observed a rapid increase in the accumulation of CO2 in the atmosphere, with a increase of more than 10% in 20 years. “Every year, new records are broken, and we are behind in meeting the goals set by the Paris Agreement“, said Celeste Saulo, general secretary of the organization.
Record temperatures and long-term impacts
Global temperatures on land and sea have reached levels not seen since 1850. Given the persistence of CO2 in the atmosphere, current temperatures will remain stable for decades, even if emissions are rapidly reduced to net zero. Concentrations of CO2 in 2023 reached 420 parts per million (ppm), while those of methane and nitrous oxide also saw increases reaching 1,934 parts per billion (ppb) and 336 ppb, respectively.
Repercussions on the planet
These numbers are not just abstract data. Each increase in greenhouse gas in the atmosphere has direct consequences on the climate and living conditions on Earth. Celeste Saulo recalls that “CO2 is accumulating in the atmosphere faster than at any other time in human existence“. The planet had not experienced such a level of concentration de CO2 for 3 to 5 million years, a time when temperatures were 2 to 3°C higher and sea levels were 10 to 20 m higher than today. Nearly half of CO2 emissions remain in the atmosphere, while the rest is absorbed by oceans and terrestrial ecosystems.
Source : Leparisien.fr
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