Satellites detect an increase in "alarming" gas levels worldwide: which system is spiraling out of control?

Researchers have long been concerned about climate change looming over the planet, but now they believe that global warming is rapidly spiraling out of control. They have concluded that our planet is "deviating" from the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C compared to pre-industrial levels—the key target of the Paris Agreement, as reported by Daily Mail.

Last year, measurements taken in Hawaii indicated the fastest annual increase in carbon dioxide levels since records began in 1958. Moreover, satellite data has corroborated the scientists' theory, showing a "very large increase" in CO2 worldwide.

Experts note that such statistics are linked to widespread hot and dry conditions, partially driven by El Niño and partially by other factors, including climate change. It is worth mentioning that the study was conducted just a week after it was confirmed that 2024 has become the hottest year on record.

According to the lead of the new forecast, Professor Richard Betts, scientists have already confirmed a new heat record on the planet—pre-industrial levels have been exceeded by more than 1.5 °C for the first time in history.

Fortunately, this does not mean that the goal of the Paris Agreement has failed, as it would require exceeding the 1.5 °C increase for a longer period. In simple terms, there is a slight hope that 2025 may be a bit cooler, although scientists believe the warming trend will persist. The study's authors also point out that this is indicated by the CO2 accumulating in the Earth's atmosphere.

Measurements taken in Hawaii showed a rise in carbon dioxide of 3.58 parts per million (ppm) in 2024. Notably, this significantly exceeded the Meteorological Bureau's forecast of 2.84 ppm (± 0.54 ppm). Even more alarming is that to slow down global warming, scientists recommend reducing carbon dioxide levels to 1.8 ppm per year.

The good news is that the increase in carbon dioxide between 2024 and 2025 is predicted by scientists to be less extreme than last year. Experts note that this is due to a partial recovery of carbon sinks as El Niño transitions to La Niña. However, even this slower growth will be too rapid to limit global warming to 1.5 °C.

According to Professor Betts, forecasts indicate that La Niña conditions will lead forests and other ecosystems to absorb more carbon than last year. This, in turn, will temporarily slow down the rise of atmospheric CO2.

Unfortunately, to halt global warming, it is necessary for the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere to completely cease, followed by a reduction. Significant and rapid cuts in emissions may limit the extent to which global warming exceeds 1.5 °C. However, immediate action is required to achieve this.