Planet-Warming Pollution Reaches Record Highs as Fossil Fuel Use Persists

[Social Media]

 

Planet-warming pollution has surged to unprecedented levels, with carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide concentrations in Earth's atmosphere reaching all-time highs, according to scientists. Data from the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) Greenhouse Gas Bulletin reveals that 2023 marked the highest levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide in human history, largely due to fossil fuel consumption and the shifting behavior of natural ecosystems. WMO researchers warn this pattern shows humanity is failing to curb climate change, with global temperatures poised to reach new records.

 

The WMO's report ties the steep rise in carbon dioxide, the primary driver of global warming, to unrelenting fossil fuel use and an alarming trend of ecosystems potentially emitting more greenhouse gases and losing their ability to absorb them.

 

As a result, the total heat-trapping potential of the atmosphere has increased by 51.5% since 1990, the year when United Nations scientists first warned of a potential climate catastrophe. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the urgency: “This should set alarm bells ringing among decision makers. Every part per million and every fraction of a degree temperature increase has a real impact on our lives and our planet.”

 

For the past 14 months, global temperatures have consistently exceeded preindustrial levels by at least 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit), a threshold recognized by scientists as critical for avoiding the worst impacts of climate change. A recent U.N. report underscores that to keep global warming below this threshold, nations must reduce emissions by 42% from 2019 levels. However, the data in Monday’s bulletin indicates that the world remains far from achieving this target, with atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases accelerating at their fastest rate in the past decade.

 

Last year, carbon dioxide levels surpassed 420 parts per million, a concentration unseen since the Pliocene Epoch more than three million years ago. Back then, global temperatures were 2-3 degrees Celsius higher, sea levels were 30 to 60 feet above today’s levels, and early humans did not yet exist. The primary driver of recent increases in carbon dioxide, according to the WMO, remains the burning of coal, oil, and gas. Yet the report also points to evidence that human-induced warming is causing natural systems to release additional greenhouse gases, which in turn undermines the Earth’s ability to absorb emissions.

 

The data additionally highlights a major rise in carbon monoxide levels, particularly during 2023’s record-breaking wildfire season. Forest fires in Australia and Canada burned an extensive 37 million acres, contributing to global carbon emissions from wildfires that were 16% above average for the 2023-2024 season. Scientists report that last year’s fires were the largest observed source of carbon monoxide, a related gas produced during combustion, which adds further stress on atmospheric conditions.

 

Methane, a greenhouse gas with a heat-trapping potential 28 times greater than carbon dioxide, is also rising at troubling rates. Analysis shows that while some methane increase results from fossil fuel burning, much of it stems from microbial activity in degraded ecosystems. Sources include bacteria in landfills, cow digestion, and natural processes in warming tropical wetlands and thawing Arctic permafrost. This release of methane from natural systems reflects a feedback loop that scientists fear could accelerate if warming continues unchecked.

 

Meanwhile, the net carbon absorption by ecosystems in 2023 dropped by roughly 28% compared to the previous two years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Global Monitoring Laboratory. Experts suggest this decline could be linked to record-high temperatures, which are known to stress vegetation and compromise ecosystems' capacity to act as carbon sinks. WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett noted, “We face a potential vicious cycle. These climate feedbacks are critical concerns to human society.” 

 

As the planet continues to warm, scientists warn that carbon sinks, such as forests and oceans, may continue to weaken, making climate goals more challenging to meet. The WMO’s findings underscore the gravity of the situation and the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions while investing in solutions to sustain and restore the planet’s natural carbon-absorbing systems.

 

Based on a report from the WP 2024-10-30

 

 

 

 

[Cryingdick]

India China.

[thaibeachlovers]

We are doomed. Eat drink and be merry, as soon we die.

[thaibeachlovers]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

Meanwhile, the net carbon absorption by ecosystems in 2023 dropped by roughly 28% compared to the previous two years, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Global Monitoring Laboratory. Experts suggest this decline could be linked to record-high temperatures, which are known to stress vegetation and compromise ecosystems' capacity to act as carbon sinks. WMO Deputy Secretary-General Ko Barrett noted, “We face a potential vicious cycle. These climate feedbacks are critical concerns to human society.” 

Errrr, isn't it more likely because the rainforests are being burnt at record levels? Yet nothing is being done to stop it.

[KhunLA]

More taxes will solve everything ...

... and the band played on 

[Gweiloman]

Tariffs on EVs that doesn’t burn fossil fuels will help…

[JonnyF]

We really need to switch to wind turbines.

 

They're just so "green".

 

[Celsius]

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

More taxes will solve everything ...

... and the band played on 

 

May I kindly suggest Trudeau for the prime minister of Thailand?

[thaibeachlovers]

57 minutes ago, Gweiloman said:

Tariffs on EVs that doesn’t burn fossil fuels will help…

But the electricity to charge them can be made using fossil fuel.

[KhunLA]

17 minutes ago, Celsius said:

 

May I kindly suggest Trudeau for the prime minister of Thailand?

I was think Norman Whitfield or Barrett Strong. IF, still alive 

[KhunLA]

Not enough of any of those gases in the atmosphere to be concerned about.  Simply scare tactics to raise taxes, and distraction from real issues.

 

"Planet-warming pollution has surged to unprecedented levels, with carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide concentrations in Earth's atmosphere reaching all-time highs" 

 

[john donson]

mega companies polluting the earth for everybody for their profits and shareholders and not or barely paying taxes

[koolkarl]

2060 adios world as per Sir Isaac Newton.  Big oil is the most powerful and likely paying off politicians for years to allow this insanity. 

Just think if everyone drove a horse and cart, no more Iran, Qatar, Saudi, Iraq, etc. and the planet would thank you like you wouldn't believe.

[RichardColeman]

if only we could ship the just stop oil protestors to china and india

[Cryingdick]

The stocks of nuclear technology stocks are on fire right now. It is pretty much acknowledged the solar experiment is failed and nuclear is the future. Companies are beginning to build their own nano reactors and not even connecting to the grid. 

 

That is the future. 

[thaibeachlovers]

12 hours ago, koolkarl said:

2060 adios world as per Sir Isaac Newton.  Big oil is the most powerful and likely paying off politicians for years to allow this insanity. 

Just think if everyone drove a horse and cart, no more Iran, Qatar, Saudi, Iraq, etc. and the planet would thank you like you wouldn't believe.

Try keeping a horse in an apartment!

 

No need for that- just transition to hydrogen for fuel. Proven technology exists- just needs to be implemented.

[Talon]

Net Zero is destructive. Attempting to replace fossil fuels TODAY with green energy will destroy the worldwide economy.

 

THOUGHTS ON A TREE

"Imagine a beautiful carbon capture and storage machine that can last for generations to capture solar and light energy, convert water, carbon dioxide and minerals into oxygen and store organic compounds while also reducing flooding, surrounding temperatures and pollution?"

- JamesMelville 

[ElwoodP]

Advertising post removed.

[Will B Good]

23 hours ago, JonnyF said:

We really need to switch to wind turbines.

 

They're just so "green".

 

 

 

Only to be located in remote areas, otherwise they cause cancer in sharks and electrocute birds.

 

 

 

[Will B Good]

5 hours ago, Talon said:

Net Zero is destructive. Attempting to replace fossil fuels TODAY with green energy will destroy the worldwide economy.

 

THOUGHTS ON A TREE

"Imagine a beautiful carbon capture and storage machine that can last for generations to capture solar and light energy, convert water, carbon dioxide and minerals into oxygen and store organic compounds while also reducing flooding, surrounding temperatures and pollution?"

- JamesMelville 

 

 

 

Goddek is a swivel eyed loon.......

 

 

 

https://www.panaccindex.info/p/profile-simon-goddek-fafo-award-winner

[JonnyF]

10 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

Only to be located in remote areas, otherwise they cause cancer in sharks and electrocute birds.

 

 

 

 

Fascinating.

 

I'd be more concerned about the insane amount of resources (steel, concrete, fibreglass etc.) involved in building them (and disposing of them) in comparison to the small amount of energy that they produce.

 

But hey, it's a great reason to tax people. 

[Will B Good]

3 minutes ago, JonnyF said:

 

Fascinating.

 

I'd be more concerned about the insane amount of resources (steel, concrete, fibreglass etc.) involved in building them (and disposing of them) in comparison to the small amount of energy that they produce.

 

But hey, it's a great reason to tax people. 

 

 

Wind turbines are generally considered highly effective for reducing carbon emissions.

 

1. Carbon Payback Time: The carbon payback period for wind turbines—the time it takes for a turbine to offset the carbon emissions produced during its manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning—typically ranges from six months to a year, depending on the turbine model and location. This is significantly shorter than the turbine’s operational lifespan, which often exceeds 20 years. After this period, the energy produced is virtually carbon-neutral.

2. Manufacturing and Installation Emissions: Wind turbine production and installation involve emissions, primarily from the steel, concrete, and other materials used in their construction. While this initial carbon cost can be high, it is considerably lower than fossil fuel-based energy sources. Studies have found that even accounting for these emissions, wind power emits only about 11-14 grams of CO₂ per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity, far lower than coal (820 g CO₂/kWh) or natural gas (490 g CO₂/kWh).

3. Maintenance and End-of-Life: Wind turbines have minimal ongoing carbon emissions during operation since they do not require fuel combustion. End-of-life considerations, like recycling turbine blades, are a current environmental challenge. However, recycling initiatives and innovations are in development to minimize the environmental footprint at this stage.

4. Offsetting Fossil Fuels: Each megawatt-hour of wind power generated displaces carbon emissions from fossil fuels, providing a long-term reduction in greenhouse gases. Countries with significant wind energy capacity, such as Denmark and Germany, have documented substantial drops in their national carbon footprints due to wind power’s displacement of coal and gas.

 

Overall, wind turbines offer a low-carbon, renewable energy solution that contributes to carbon neutrality and is essential to global decarbonization efforts. Though challenges exist (especially related to materials and recycling), advances in technology and policy continue to improve the sustainability of wind energy   .

[James105]

2 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

Wind turbines are generally considered highly effective for reducing carbon emissions.

 

1. Carbon Payback Time: The carbon payback period for wind turbines—the time it takes for a turbine to offset the carbon emissions produced during its manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and eventual decommissioning—typically ranges from six months to a year, depending on the turbine model and location. This is significantly shorter than the turbine’s operational lifespan, which often exceeds 20 years. After this period, the energy produced is virtually carbon-neutral.

2. Manufacturing and Installation Emissions: Wind turbine production and installation involve emissions, primarily from the steel, concrete, and other materials used in their construction. While this initial carbon cost can be high, it is considerably lower than fossil fuel-based energy sources. Studies have found that even accounting for these emissions, wind power emits only about 11-14 grams of CO₂ per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity, far lower than coal (820 g CO₂/kWh) or natural gas (490 g CO₂/kWh).

3. Maintenance and End-of-Life: Wind turbines have minimal ongoing carbon emissions during operation since they do not require fuel combustion. End-of-life considerations, like recycling turbine blades, are a current environmental challenge. However, recycling initiatives and innovations are in development to minimize the environmental footprint at this stage.

4. Offsetting Fossil Fuels: Each megawatt-hour of wind power generated displaces carbon emissions from fossil fuels, providing a long-term reduction in greenhouse gases. Countries with significant wind energy capacity, such as Denmark and Germany, have documented substantial drops in their national carbon footprints due to wind power’s displacement of coal and gas.

 

Overall, wind turbines offer a low-carbon, renewable energy solution that contributes to carbon neutrality and is essential to global decarbonization efforts. Though challenges exist (especially related to materials and recycling), advances in technology and policy continue to improve the sustainability of wind energy   .

 

Why you using ChatGPT?  You don't have thoughts or opinions of your own?  

[Will B Good]

Just now, James105 said:

 

Why you using ChatGPT?  You don't have thoughts or opinions of your own?  

 

 

What a truly pathetic and child like comment......do really think I am going to spend days researching a topic I know little about in order to counter ridiculous statements from the hard of thinking on this forum.....grow up.

[Lacessit]

23 hours ago, KhunLA said:

Not enough of any of those gases in the atmosphere to be concerned about.  Simply scare tactics to raise taxes, and distraction from real issues.

 

"Planet-warming pollution has surged to unprecedented levels, with carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide concentrations in Earth's atmosphere reaching all-time highs" 

 

Prior to the Industrial Revolution, carbon dioxide levels were 280 million. An increase of 50%.

 

Methane levels were 720 ppb. An increase of 167%.

 

Nitrous oxide levels were 270 ppb. An increase of 22%.

 

The average temperature in Australia has increased by 1.7 C. Iceland has lost 22% of its glaciers since 1890.

 

I guess the ignorant/ deniers will continue to dismiss facts and data until their houses and cars are swept away by floods or wind. The First Law of Thermodynamics.

 

I am wondering, in the wake of Helene and Milton, how many Floridians have undergone conversion.

[mdr224]

Does Asia have the same shaming about the planet being destroyed as us? I dont think so, its just us

[James105]

54 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

What a truly pathetic and child like comment......do really think I am going to spend days researching a topic I know little about in order to counter ridiculous statements from the hard of thinking on this forum.....grow up.

 

Why don't you credit the AI you clearly used with the response rather than pretending it was your own?  

[Will B Good]

Just now, James105 said:

 

Why don't you credit the AI you clearly used with the response rather than pretending it was your own?  

 

Hahaha......and who on here, do think, could draft that response within 60 seconds.....and then pass it off as their own diligent, research.......AND have people believe it was personal research?

 

I think your problem lies in no longer being able to make totally erroneous statements without receiving a strong, clear rebuttal....(even though this wasn't your statement in this instance).

[James105]

2 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

Hahaha......and who on here, do think, could draft that response within 60 seconds.....and then pass it off as their own diligent, research.......AND have people believe it was personal research?

 

I think your problem lies in no longer being able to make totally erroneous statements without receiving a strong, clear rebuttal....(even though this wasn't your statement in this instance).

 

What erroneous statement did I make here?  I pointed out you used AI for a response and that you didn't credit the AI for providing you with it.   Seems fairly accurate to me.    If you don't have the knowledge or wherewithal to formulate a response of your own then perhaps don't bother?  

[Will B Good]

Just now, James105 said:

 

  If you don't have the knowledge or wherewithal to formulate a response of your own then perhaps don't bother?  

 

The site would be bereft of comments in an hour if that were applied to all members. (Not AI)