Published on 24/10/2016, 10:00am
Global average CO2 concentrations breached symbolic milestone of 400ppm for the first time in 2015, while temperatures soared
Global average temperature in 2015 was the warmest year since modern record-keeping began in 1880, while CO2 concentrations breached 400ppm for the first time. Source: Scientific Visualization Studio/Goddard Space Flight Center
The most dangerous greenhouse gas has passed a new milestone, marking the beginning of a new paradigm for the planet and all of those who live upon it.
That was the stark warning of Petteri Taalas, secretary general of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), on Monday.
Releasing the WMO’s annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, Taalas confirmed that the average concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere had slipped above the landmark 400 parts per million for the first time.
Taalas said the unabated rise of global CO2 levels should refocus the minds of politicians and diplomats who have giddily heralded the rapid entry of the Paris climate agreement into law this year.
“The year 2015 ushered in a new era of optimism and climate action with the Paris climate change agreement. But it will also make history as marking a new era of climate change reality with record high greenhouse gas concentrations,” said Taalas.
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