World Meteorological Organization (WMO): Carbon dioxide levels increase by record amount to new highs in 2024

The level of CO2 in the atmosphere soared by a record amount (3.5 ppm) to new highs (424 ppm) in 2024, committing the planet to more long-term temperature increase, according to a new report from WMO. The WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin said continued emissions of CO2 from human activities and an upsurge from wildfires were responsible, as well as reduced CO2 absorption by “sinks” such as land ecosystems and the ocean – in what threatens to be a vicious climate cycle. Concentrations of methane and nitrous oxide – the second and third most important long-lived greenhouse gases related to human activities – have also risen to record levels. Learn MORE.