Atmospheric CO2 Levels Reach 800,000-Year High in 2023

According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), atmospheric carbon dioxide levels reached a record high of 420 parts per million (ppm) in 2023, marking the highest levels in 800,000 years. This increase of 2.3 ppm from 2022 contributes to a long-term global warming estimate of 1.34 to 1.41 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels. The last decade has been the hottest on record, with rising sea levels recorded at their highest since 1993, and a doubling of the rate of sea level rise from previous decades. The report indicates severe consequences of climate change, including intensified storms, food crises, and significant glacier loss, with seven of the ten worst years for glacier loss occurring since 2016. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the urgency for world leaders to enhance climate action, particularly in transitioning from fossil fuels. The findings underscore the critical need for immediate and effective responses to mitigate climate impacts and adhere to the Paris Agreement's temperature goals.