Kathmandu. The earth is facing a great danger. Which can prove to be dangerous for all life on this planet.
According to a new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the Earth’s atmosphere are expected to rise to record levels in 2024. “This is likely to further increase the Earth’s temperature in the long run,” the report said. ’
The report attributes the increase in CO2 to continued emissions from human activities, increased incidents of forest fires, and declines in CO2 absorption by land ecosystems and oceans.
According to the WMO report, the rate of CO2 increase has tripled from 0.8 ppm per year in the 1960s. In the decade 2011-20, it reached 2.4 ppm per year. Meanwhile, the global average concentration of CO2 is expected to be 3.5 ppm in 2023-24. That’s the largest increase since modern measurements began in 1957.
At the same time, two other important greenhouse gases linked to human activity, methane and nitrous oxide, have also risen to record levels.
Record increase in CO2 levels?
According to WMO Deputy Secretary-General Joe Barrett, heat absorbed by carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases is warming our climate. Due to this, the temperature is continuously rising. He described the reduction in emissions as beneficial for both the climate and humans.
The Greenhouse Bulletin was first released in 2004. The annual level of carbon dioxide measured by the WMO monitoring station at the time was 377.1 ppm. In 2024, it increased to 423.9 ppm.
Is CO2 levels rising?
About half of the CO2 emitted each year stays in the atmosphere and the rest is absorbed by Earth’s terrestrial ecosystems and oceans. However, as global warming increases, the oceans absorb less CO2 due to lower solubility at higher temperatures.
The record increase between 2023 and 2024 is likely due to a decrease in CO2 absorption by land and oceans. It’s the hottest year on record.
EL Niño is also a major factor in
According to the WMO, CO2 levels also rise during El Niño. During this period, the soil’s ability to absorb CO2 decreases due to vegetation drying up and forest fires. Oksana Taraseva, senior scientific officer at the WMO, expressed concern about the decline in the effectiveness of terrestrial and marine CO2 sinking. “This will increase the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere,” she said. This will increase global warming. ’
