New record for the level of CO2 in the earth’s atmosphere

New record for the level of CO2 in the earth’s atmosphere

Levels of CO2 in the atmosphere have surged past the 400 parts per million benchmark for the first time in recorded history in 2015.  And, according to the annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin produced by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), 2016 will likely be the first full year to exceed the mark. Prior to 1800 atmospheric levels were around 280ppm, according to the US National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) while the last time CO2 was regularly above 400ppm was three to five million years ago.

The WMO report also details the growth in other greenhouse gases, including methane and nitrous oxide. In 2015, levels of methane were 2.5 times greater than in the pre-industrial era, while nitrous oxide was 1.2 times above the historic measure. While welcoming new initiatives like the global agreement to phase out HFC gases agreed recently in Rwanda, the WMO argues that nations must retain their focus on cutting CO2.

"The year 2015 ushered in a new era of optimism and climate action with the Paris climate change agreement," said WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas. "But it will also make history as marking a new era of climate change reality with record high greenhouse gas concentrations." "Without tackling CO2 emissions, we cannot tackle climate change and keep temperature increases to below 2 degrees C above the pre-industrial era," said Petteri Taalas.

View the video NASA | A Year in the Life of Earth's CO2