New record for CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere, despite Covid-19
The concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere continues to rise across the world.
(Drawing).
AP - Martin Meissner
Text by: RFI Follow
2 min
Despite the slowdown in the global economy, due to the coronavirus health crisis, the concentrations of CO2 in the atmosphere are breaking a new record.
The bad news is announced this Monday, November 23, by the World Meteorological Organization, a UN agency, in its annual bulletin.
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In 2019, the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere had sharply increased.
The annual average had crossed the threshold of 410 parts per million.
In 2020, this increase continued.
However, CO2 emissions were lower because of the different confinements, respected around the world.
We even observed a decrease of 17% less at a time when the slowdown in economic activities was most intense.
It is still difficult to assess the total reduction over the year, but estimates point to a drop of 4 to 7 and a half percent.
"
A small point on the long-term curve
", summarizes the secretary general of the UN agency.
Nothing durable enough for this curve to flatten out.
Greener economy ...
CO2 has a lifespan of up to two centuries.
It therefore inexorably continues to accumulate.
The concentration will have just increased less quickly this year.
The current grade is comparable to that of 3 to 5 million years ago.
The temperature was then 2 two to three degrees higher than today.
The only note of hope: for the world meteorological organization, this health crisis represents a springboard for launching more ambitious climate action.
It welcomes the initiative of certain countries, particularly within the European Union, to relaunch their economy in a greener way.
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Environment
UN
Pollution