Global average temperatures broke through the 1C barrier as the concentration of man-made greenhouse gases in the atmosphere reached another new record, the climate scientists said.
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Certain monitoring stations – including the classic Mauna Loa Observatory – have measured a 400 ppm monthly average before, but the WMO says that this is the first time global measurements have collectively crossed the threshold.
In a recent statement, WMO Secretary- General Michel Jarraud said that, “Every year we say that time is running out”.
Concentrations of other greenhouse gases produced from human activities, such as methane and nitrous oxide, also reached records in 2014, the World Meteorological Organization said in its annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin.
The long-term implications for the planet, he said, include “hotter global temperatures and more extreme weather events” as well as melting ice, rising sea levels and increased acidity in oceans.
The world is heading towards uncharted territory at “frightening speed” according to the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). By symbolising the last iceberg and the last polar bear on earth, Green Peace called on representatives on Thursday to take real steps fighting against global warming and coping with climate change around the globe.
“We can’t see CO2”.
Currently, we have seen about 20 centimeters of global mean sea level rise since pre-industrial times and this is about one third of the level that could be seen by 2100 in a two degrees Celsius world.
It said consequences will continue to be felt for centuries, since new emissions of carbon dioxide will remain in the atmosphere for centuries. On average, Co2 levels reached 397.7 ppm.
When you consider the amount of carbon dioxide and other climate-warming gases belching out of the likes of the USA and China, it’s easy to think Scotland and the United Kingdom are just tiny wee fish in the big global ocean -powerless to offer any meaningful contribution in a daunting battle against warming.
“Even 1.5 degrees is virtually impossible any longer and certainly 2 degrees is still feasible but it requires quick and strong action”, Jarraud said.
The report comes weeks before a United Nations meeting in Paris focused on crafting a deal to reduce worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.
Research suggests that it is still possible to limit warming to 2 degrees, the Met Office said in its press release.
Prior to the Industrial Revolution in the late 1800s, carbon dioxide levels were around 280 ppm, but an increase in the burning of fossil fuels for energy sent levels soaring to 143 percent where they were, causing the Earth’s temperature to rise to levels that can not be attributed to natural occurrences, according to USA Today. The relentless rise, which is driving climate change, will make our planet much more risky and inhospitable for generations to come, the WMO warns.
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The WMO Greenhouse Gas Bulletin only has data on atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, and not emissions.
