CO2 in air hit new high last year, with scientists concerned natural land and ocean carbon sinks are weakening

Levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere soared by a record amount in 2024 to hit another high, UN data shows, deepening the climate crisis that is already taking lives and livelihoods across the world.

Scientists are worried that the natural land and ocean “sinks” that remove CO2 from the air are weakening as a result of global heating, which could form a vicious circle and drive temperatures up even faster. The global average concentration of the gas surged by 3.5 parts per million to 424ppm in 2024, the largest increase since modern measurements started in 1957, according to the report by the World Meteorological Organization.

Several factors contributed to the leap in CO2, including another year of unrelenting fossil fuel burning despite a pledge by the world’s countries in 2023 to “transition away” from coal, oil and gas. Another factor was an upsurge in wildfires in conditions made hotter and drier by global heating. Wildfire emissions in the Americas reached historic levels in 2024, which was the hottest year yet recorded.

  • stonkage@aussie.zoneEnglish
    7·
    3 days ago

    Here in South Australia we are starting to see the effects and it’s pretty chilling.

    The algae bloom affecting many of our suburban beaches (which is most of Adelaide) and a lot of country ones are seeing huge numbers of dead marine life being washed up.

    Anything from leafy sea dragons to fish, stingrays, and sharks. The foam created on some days covers whole sections of beach.

    While apparently it’s safe, there are warnings that you may experience breathing issues and rashes so your supposed to bring your inhaler and rinse off after you have been in. On windy days it can affect you even if your walking close to the beach.

    As we head into summer the damage to local seaford providers (the seafood is fine to consume but people are wary) and cafe owners will be huge and is already starting to take effect.

    Because our beaches are so close, people would go down after work for a dip or have a drink at the suburban pubs and cafes.

    https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-23/sa-toxic-algal-bloom-explained/105560008