The UN issues a sharp warning.
Levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached record levels in 2023.
– These feedbacks in the climate are really worrying for humanity, says Ko Barret, Deputy Secretary General of the WMO.
The levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached record levels in 2023. This is what the UN warns in a new report.
“Another year. Another record. This should set alarm bells ringing for policy makers. We are clearly off track when it comes to meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement,” says Celeste Saulo, head of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
WMO’s annual report shows that levels have not been this high for at least three million years. The levels have risen ten percent in the last two decades. That is faster than at any time in human history.
– These feedbacks in the climate are really worrying for humanity, says Ko Barret, Deputy Secretary General of the WMO.
“Impact on our lives and the planet”
Ko Barret believes that they warn that the world is heading into a possible vicious spiral. Today’s commitments for the climate only mean a reduction of emissions by 2.6 percent by 2030. This is only a small part of what is needed to counteract the worst consequences of climate change.
– This is more than just statistics. Every millionth or fraction of a degree has a real impact on our lives and on the planet,” says WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo.
UN climate chief Simon Stiell warns that the world is “miles away” from the 43 percent emission reductions necessary to push warming down to 1.5 degrees.