A recent study by the Met Office found that the rapid increase of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) is incompatible with the goals set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to limit global warming to 1.5°C. In 2021, the largest annual rise in CO2 levels was recorded in Mauna Loa, Hawaii, exceeding predictions. Satellite measurements globally showed a huge increase due to record high fossil fuel emissions and weakened natural carbon sinks. Despite forecasts predicting a slower rise this year, CO2 levels remain too high to achieve the IPCC’s 1.5°C scenario. This means that global warming will continue to rise, with 2024 being recorded as the warmest year on record. Scientists stress that significant and immediate emission cuts are necessary to limit further warming. They warn that building up CO2 in the atmosphere will continue until drastic action is taken to stop it and bring levels back down.
Surpassing expected levels, carbon dioxide emissions have diverged from the necessary trajectory to curb global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, according to the Met Office.
