Record High Greenhouse Gas Emissions Recorded in 2024
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported that carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the atmosphere surged to unprecedented levels in 2024, fueled by human activities and intensified by wildfires. This alarming rise in greenhouse gases commits the planet to more long-term temperature increases, reports 24brussels.
In 2024, atmospheric concentrations of CO2 reached record highs, primarily due to emissions from burning fossil fuels, biomass, land-use changes, and industrial activities such as cement production. This escalation in CO2 levels raises significant concerns regarding long-term climate change and associated impacts.
Greenhouse gases, including CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide, are the foremost contributors to global warming. They trap heat in the atmosphere, thereby elevating Earth’s surface temperature and exacerbating climate change and air pollution. CO2 stands as the dominant greenhouse gas, accounting for approximately three-quarters of planet-warming emissions.
Current CO2 levels are measured at over 425 parts per million (ppm), 50% higher than pre-industrial levels of around 280 ppm. Alarmingly, around 60% of this increase has occurred since 1990, with fossil fuel combustion as a primary driver.
“The heat trapped by CO2 and other greenhouse gases is turbo-charging our climate and leading to more extreme weather. Reducing emissions is therefore essential not just for our climate but also for our economic security and community well-being,” stated WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett.
Carbon Sinks at Risk
Approximately half of all CO2 emitted each year remains in the atmosphere, while the remainder is absorbed by Earth’s carbon sinks: land ecosystems and oceans. Scientists express concern that climate change is impairing the ability of these sinks to absorb CO2, as increasing temperatures lead to drier conditions in forests and diminishing gas solubility in warmer ocean waters.
“There is concern that terrestrial and ocean CO2 sinks are becoming less effective, which will increase the amount of CO2 that stays in the atmosphere, thereby accelerating global warming,” highlighted Oksana Tarasova, a WMO senior scientific officer.
Record Levels of Methane and Nitrous Oxide
Alongside CO2, atmospheric concentrations of methane and nitrous oxide also reached record levels in 2024, according to the WMO.
Methane, despite comprising only a small fraction of the atmosphere (~0.0002% by volume), has a considerable climate impact, accounting for 25% of global warming and now at levels 166% higher than pre-industrial times.
About 60% of methane emissions originate from human activities, which include leaks from fossil fuel operations, landfills, livestock waste, rice cultivation, and wildfires. The remaining emissions come from natural sources such as wetlands, wildfires, and geological processes.
Nitrous oxide, the third most significant human-caused greenhouse gas, primarily results from the application of nitrogen fertilizers and manure, driven by expanding agricultural practices. Current atmospheric levels of nitrous oxide have risen to 338 parts per billion (ppb), a 25% increase over the pre-industrial level of 270 ppb.
