Climate Alarm: CO2 Levels Hit Record Spike!

The alarming rise in atmospheric CO₂ levels is just one of many concerning signs on the climate change landscape.

Additional concerns surround the remarkable increase in global average surface temperatures during 2023 and 2024, which remains inadequately explained. This trend is concerning, as Earth’s average temperature has surpassed the 2.7° Fahrenheit threshold set by the Paris Agreement for 20 of the past 21 months. Moreover, the extent of sea ice in both polar regions has plummeted to record or near-record lows in recent years, diminishing a critical protective barrier for the planet.

NOAA has traditionally published annual updates on global greenhouse gas levels accompanied by press releases and informative articles. However, this year, the agency’s actions appear to be altering. Tom Di Liberto, a former public affairs specialist at NOAA, indicated that a comprehensive article on this year’s data was completed but subsequently removed by the current political communications leadership to avoid displeasing the administration. “While NOAA is likely continuing its important work behind the scenes, the public may not receive the same level of informative releases as in previous years,” he noted.

The agency did not respond to inquiries from Inside Climate News regarding this year’s increase in CO₂ levels.

Climate scientist Michael Mann, who leads the Center for Science, Sustainability & the Media at the University of Pennsylvania, suggested that the rise in CO₂ may be connected to post-pandemic emissions as economies resumed activities following lockdowns. However, he anticipates that emissions will stabilize this year, largely due to decarbonization efforts in China and other nations.

Mann acknowledged theories suggesting reduced absorption by natural sinks or increased wildfire emissions might be factors; yet he advised caution in interpreting these influences—especially amidst significant El Niño events like those occurring in 2023 and 2024.

James Hansen, an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s Earth Institute and director of the Program on Climate Science, Awareness and Solutions, stated that the CO₂ increase in 2024 aligns with ongoing record emissions from fossil fuels and elevated ocean temperatures. “We have witnessed similar increases in the past associated with lesser emissions during stronger El Niños,” he explained. “However, not all news is dire; over recent decades, the airborne fraction of emissions has trended downward. With a robust commitment to reducing emissions, we can expect a decline in the growth rate of CO₂ levels.”