Greenhouse gas levels surged to a new record in 2023, rising by more than 10% in just two decades, according to a new report by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO).

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Key Highlights of report

• Current Reduction Plans:
  • The UN report states that existing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) would only reduce emissions by 2.6% from 2019 levels if fully implemented.
• Needed Reduction:
  • To limit global warming to 1.5°C, the IPCC recommends a 43% reduction by 2030 and a 60% reduction by 2035.
• UN Climate Change Statement:
  • Simon Steill, UN Climate Change executive, emphasized the need for stronger action in upcoming NDC updates to meet climate goals.
• GHG Surge in 2023:
  • WMO reports record-high GHG levels in 2023, with CO2 concentration reaching 420 ppm, an increase of 2.3 ppm from 2022.
• Historical CO2 Context:
  • Current CO2 levels are similar to those 3-5 million years ago, when temperatures were 2-3°C higher and sea levels were 10-20 meters above current levels.
• Radiative Forcing Increase (1990-2023):
  • Warming effects from long-lived GHGs increased by 51.5%, with CO2 responsible for 81% of this rise (NOAA data).
• Climate Feedback Concerns
  • Potential Vicious Cycle:
    • WMO warns that warming could turn natural ecosystems into GHG sources, as wildfires release more carbon and oceans absorb less CO2.
  • Long-term Impact of CO2:
    • CO2’s long atmospheric lifespan means temperature levels will remain elevated for decades, even with emission reductions.
• Factors Driving Rising GHG Levels
  • Human Activities:
    • High CO2 emissions from fossil fuels and reduced forest carbon absorption are major contributors to rising GHG levels.
  • Natural Causes:
    • El Niño-induced warmer temperatures, dry vegetation, and wildfires have increased GHG emissions.
  • Methane Surge (2020-2022):
    • Methane levels saw their largest three-year rise, primarily due to increased emissions from natural wetlands during La Niña conditions.
• India’s Climate Commitments
  • Updated NDCs (August 2022):
    • India aims to reduce emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% from 2005 levels and ensure 50% of electricity generation capacity from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030.
  • Global Standing:
    • Despite a 6.1% rise in emissions in 2023, India’s historical contribution to global emissions remains at 3%.

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About the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

• The WMO is an intergovernmental organization with 193 member states and territories. 
• India is one of the Member States of the WMO.
• Origin: WMO originated from the International Meteorological Organization, the roots of which were planted at the 1873 Vienna International Meteorological Congress.
• Establishment: WMO was established by ratifying the WMO Convention on 23rd March 1950.
• Specialized Agency: It became the specialized agency of the United Nations for Meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.