Even as emissions level off, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is growing faster than ever. Here's why

Even as emissions level off, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is growing faster than ever. Here's why

Over the last decade, humanity's emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) have stabilized after a period of huge growth. Average growth is now down to just 0.6% per year, compared to 2% per year in the previous decade. But leveling off isn't the same as declining—and we've leveled off at a very high rate of emissions. The Global Carbon Project estimates human activities released a record high of 10.2 gigatons of carbon (GtC) in 2024.

Even as emissions level off, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is growing faster than ever. Here’s why

Quality Stock Arts/ShutterstockOver the last decade, humanity’s emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) have stabilised after a period of huge growth. Average growth is now down to just 0.6% per year, compared to 2% per year in the previous decade. But levelling off isn’t the same as declining – and we’ve levelled off at a very high rate of emissions. The Global Carbon Project estimates human activities released a record high of 10.2 gigatonnes of car…