New data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Noaa) in the US reveals that despite the devastating impacts of climate change, humans are failing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating the climate emergency.

According to Noaa, atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane, and nitrous oxide—the primary greenhouse gases emitted by human activities—continued to rise rapidly in 2022. Carbon dioxide levels increased by over two parts per million (ppm) for the 11th consecutive year, marking the highest sustained rate of CO2 growth since monitoring began 65 years ago. Prior to 2013, scientists had never recorded three consecutive years of such high CO2 growth. The current atmospheric CO2 concentration is now 50% higher than pre-industrial levels.

The rise in methane in 2022 was the fourth-largest since records began in 1983, following record growth in 2021 and 2022. The average methane concentration now stands at 1,912 parts per billion (ppb). Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that warms the Earth’s atmosphere much faster than CO2 and is responsible for about 25% of the heat trapped by all greenhouse gases. Methane levels in the atmosphere have exceeded more than two and a half times their pre-industrial level. The oil and gas sector is the largest industrial source of methane, which not only contributes to climate change but can also have adverse effects such as medical complications, fires, and even engine failure.

Nitrous oxide, the third-most significant anthropogenic greenhouse gas, has also experienced an increase. Levels are now 24% higher than pre-industrial levels, with a 1.25ppb rise in 2022. Fossil fuel-powered vehicles, synthetic fertilisers, and livestock manure from industrialised agriculture are major contributors to rising nitrous oxide levels. The gas is harmful to human health and water sources.

“The observations collected by Noaa scientists in 2022 show that greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise at an alarming pace and will persist in the atmosphere for thousands of years,” said Rick Spinrad, the Noaa administrator.

“The time is now to address greenhouse gas pollution and to lower human-caused emissions as we continue to build toward a Climate-Ready Nation.”

Despite decades of warnings from scientists about the catastrophic consequences of climate change, meaningful climate action to reduce fossil fuel use and other harmful human activities has been delayed and obstructed. Industries such as oil and gas, agriculture, defence, and automobiles have influenced policies and impeded progress.

The recent report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) emphasised the urgent need for swift and drastic action to address rising greenhouse gas emissions and prevent irreparable damage. However, this warning was followed by the approval of the multi-decade Willow drilling project in Alaska by the Biden administration, which will result in millions of additional tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

The data from Noaa underscores the need for immediate and comprehensive measures to mitigate climate change. Without substantial efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the root causes of global warming, the planet is at risk of irreversible harm.

 

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