World Meteorological Organization: Greenhouse gas concentrations set new record in 2023

A report released by the World Meteorological Organization on the 28th showed that greenhouse gas concentrations will hit a new record in 2023, and the earth will face rising temperatures for many years to come.

The annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin said carbon dioxide is accumulating in the atmosphere faster than at any time in human history, with carbon dioxide concentrations rising by 11.4% in the past 20 years. The communiqué analyzed that last year, due to the increase in carbon dioxide emissions caused by large-scale vegetation fires, the carbon absorption capacity of forests may decline. Coupled with the high carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels caused by human and industrial activities, the concentration of greenhouse gases has been jointly promoted.

The communiqué said that compared with 2022, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increased by 2.3 ppm (1ppm is one part per million) last year, and the annual increase has exceeded 2ppm for 12 consecutive years.

Data shows that in 2023, the global average surface carbon dioxide concentration will reach 420.0 ppm, the methane concentration will be 1934ppb (1ppb is one part per billion), and the nitrous oxide concentration will be 336.9 ppb, which are 151%, 265% and 125%, respectively, of pre-industrial levels.

Coe Barrett, deputy secretary-general of the World Meteorological Organization, said that in the near future, climate change itself may make ecosystems a greater source of greenhouse gas emissions. Wildfires may release more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, while warming oceans may absorb less carbon dioxide. As a result, more carbon dioxide will remain in the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.

The last time Earth had similar carbon dioxide concentrations was 3 to 5 million years ago. The temperature then was 2 to 3 degrees Celsius higher than it is now, and the sea level was 10 to 20 meters higher than it is now.