32nd Annual State of the Climate Report has been released and brings extremely worrying news.
In 2021, carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane reached record levels, the Earth continued to warm, and sea levels continued to rise.
Despite it being a La Niña year, which lowers sea surface temperatures, about 57 percent of the ocean’s surface experienced at least one heat wave, according to IFL Science.
“Climate change shows no signs of slowing down”
“The data presented in this report is clear – we continue to see compelling scientific evidence that climate change is having a global impact and shows no sign of slowing down,” said NOAA Administrator Dr. Rick Spinrad.
“With many communities hit by this year’s flooding, exceptional drought and historic heat, this is not a future threat, but something we must address today as we work to build a climate-ready nation — and a world – that is resilient to climate-driven extremes,” added Spinrad.
CO2 recorded the highest value in 2021
The Earth’s greenhouse gases were the highest on record. Concentrations of the main greenhouse gases – carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide – each reached new all-time highs in 2021. The global annual average concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was 414.7 parts per million (ppm) . This was 2.3 ppm higher than the amounts in 2020 and was the highest value ever recorded. The annual average concentration of methane in the atmosphere was also the highest on record, and the annual increase was 18 parts per billion.
The Earth’s warming trend has continued. A number of scientific analyzes indicate that annual global surface temperatures were 0.21 – 0.28 degrees Celsius above the average between 1991 and 2020.
Ocean warmth and global sea level have also reached record highs. Also, tropical cyclone activity was well above average.
The full report can be read here.