Greenhouse gas concentrations reach record levels, says WMO in 2023 report

In 2023, atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations reached record levels, according to a report from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The concentration of carbon dioxide has increased by more than ten percent in just two decades. Compared to pre-industrial levels from 1750, greenhouse gas levels have risen significantly. Carbon dioxide concentrations have surged by 151 percent, methane by 265 percent, and nitrous oxide by 125 percent. The last time carbon dioxide levels were this high was 3 to 5 million years ago when the Earth’s average temperature was 2 to 3 degrees Celsius higher than today, and sea levels were 10 to 20 meters above current levels.

The increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide is primarily attributed to the burning of fossil fuels, as well as cement production and land use changes, according to Annalea Lohila, head of a unit at the Finnish Meteorological Institute. In 2023, carbon dioxide levels were also impacted by emissions from large vegetation fires and possibly a reduction in forest carbon sinks.