CO2 levels at an unprecedented high: Why this matters – The Indian Express

Report on Record Increase in Atmospheric CO2 and Implications for Sustainable Development Goals

A report based on data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicates a record increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations between 2023 and 2024. This trend, coupled with 2024 being the warmest year on record, presents a significant challenge to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Key Findings on Greenhouse Gas Concentrations

Record Rise in Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

The data reveals a critical failure in global efforts to mitigate climate change, directly impacting the targets set under SDG 13 and the Paris Agreement.

• Globally averaged CO2 concentration reached 423.9 parts per million (ppm) in 2024.
• The year-on-year increase of 3.5 ppm is the highest since measurements began in 1957 and significantly exceeds the 2011-2020 average of 2.4 ppm per year.
• Current CO2 levels are 152% higher than pre-industrial levels, underscoring the lack of progress towards responsible production and consumption patterns as outlined in SDG 12.
• The year 2024 saw the global average temperature breach the 1.5°C threshold above pre-industrial levels, a critical limit for preventing the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.

Analysis of Contributing Factors

The unprecedented increase is attributed to a combination of anthropogenic emissions and natural system variabilities, highlighting the interconnectedness of climate with other environmental SDGs.

1. Anthropogenic Emissions: Continued emissions from the burning of fossil fuels remain the primary driver, indicating a slow transition towards SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy).
2. Weakened Natural Sinks: The capacity of oceans and land to absorb CO2 was diminished in 2024. This feedback loop, where warming reduces the effectiveness of natural carbon sinks, threatens the stability of marine and terrestrial ecosystems, directly impacting SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).
3. Increased Forest Fires: An unusually high number of forest fires contributed additional emissions, further degrading ecosystems vital to SDG 15.

Trends in Other Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

While the increase in other major GHGs was less pronounced, their rising concentrations continue to contribute to global warming and undermine climate action efforts.

• Methane (CH4): Concentrations increased by 8 parts per billion (ppb) to 1,942 ppb. Methane accounts for 16% of warming since pre-industrial times.
• Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Concentrations rose by 1 ppb to 338 ppb. Nitrous Oxide has contributed approximately 6% to warming.

Challenges to the Sustainable Development Agenda

Failure to Meet Climate Targets

The WMO data underscores the profound difficulty in achieving global climate commitments. The continued rise in GHG emissions demonstrates a collective failure to implement the Paris Agreement and advance SDG 13.

Systemic Risks to SDGs

The escalating climate crisis poses a systemic threat to the entire 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

• SDG 13 (Climate Action): The primary goal is severely compromised, with emission reduction targets for 2030 almost certain to be missed.
• SDG 14 (Life Below Water) & SDG 15 (Life on Land): Warming and increased CO2 absorption are causing ocean acidification and land degradation, destabilizing vital ecosystems.
• SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) & SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): The data reflects insufficient progress in transitioning away from fossil fuels and adopting sustainable economic models.
• SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Irreversible climate impacts threaten urban infrastructure, economies, and the well-being of communities worldwide.

The report concludes that without immediate and drastic reductions in man-made emissions and efforts to protect natural systems, the foundational goals of sustainable development are at risk.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 13: Climate Action

• The entire article is centered on climate change, discussing the record increase in atmospheric CO2, the primary driver of climate change, and the rise in global temperatures. It directly addresses the core concerns of SDG 13 by highlighting the failure to curb emissions and the crossing of the 1.5°C temperature threshold.

SDG 15: Life on Land

• The article connects climate change to terrestrial ecosystems. It mentions that “extreme droughts, which result in forests and vegetation drying up, reduce the absorption capacity of trees and grasslands.” It also notes that an “exceptionally high number of forest fire incidents” contributed to additional emissions, directly impacting life on land.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• The role of oceans as a carbon sink is discussed. The article states, “At higher temperatures, oceans absorb less CO2 due to decreased solubility.” This directly links rising global temperatures to the health and function of marine ecosystems, a key focus of SDG 14.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• The article implicitly addresses SDG 7 by identifying the primary source of increased CO2 as “man-made processes, such as the burning of fossil fuels.” The failure to reduce these emissions points to the ongoing challenge of transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy sources.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• The article highlights the “failure of the international climate framework, as represented by the Paris Agreement, to achieve a meaningful slowdown in global emissions.” This points to shortcomings in global cooperation and partnerships, which are central to SDG 17, in addressing the climate crisis.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 13: Climate Action

• Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The article’s statement that “Ten years of the Paris Agreement have been unable to make any appreciable dent in this rising trend” and that “emission reduction targets for 2030 are almost certain to be missed” indicates a failure to effectively integrate climate measures into policy.

SDG 15: Life on Land

• Target 15.2: Promote the implementation of sustainable management of all types of forests, halt deforestation, restore degraded forests and substantially increase afforestation and reforestation globally. The mention of an “exceptionally high number of forest fire incidents” and reduced absorption capacity of forests due to drought works directly against this target.
• Target 15.3: Combat desertification, restore degraded land and soil… and strive to achieve a land degradation-neutral world. The article’s reference to “extreme droughts” causing vegetation to dry up is directly related to the challenges of land degradation and desertification.

SDG 14: Life Below Water

• Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels. The article’s point that “oceans and land sinks seem to have absorbed a lesser amount of CO2 in 2024” due to higher temperatures relates to the ocean’s changing chemistry and its capacity to mitigate climate change, which is linked to acidification.

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The continued rise in CO2 from “the burning of fossil fuels” implies that the progress towards this target is insufficient to meet climate goals.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

• Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development… to support the achievement of the sustainable development goals in all countries. The article’s emphasis on the “failure of the international climate framework” underscores the challenges in making this global partnership effective for climate action.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Indicators for SDG 13 (Climate Action)

• Atmospheric CO2 Concentration: The article provides precise data: “Globally averaged CO2 concentration… reached 423.9 parts per million in 2024,” which is a direct indicator of GHG accumulation.
• Global Average Temperature Anomaly: The article states the “global average temperature being 1.55 degrees Celsius higher than pre-industrial times,” a key indicator for tracking global warming.
• Annual Increase in GHG Concentrations: The article specifies the year-on-year increase for CO2 (“3.5 ppm”), Methane (“8 parts per billion”), and Nitrous Oxide (“1 ppb”), which serve as indicators of the rate of climate change.

Indicators for SDG 15 (Life on Land)

• Forest Carbon Sink Capacity: The article implies this is a measurable factor by stating that “extreme droughts… reduce the absorption capacity of trees and grasslands.”
• Frequency and Intensity of Forest Fires: The mention of an “exceptionally high number of forest fire incidents” suggests this is a tracked indicator of forest health and climate impact.

Indicators for SDG 14 (Life Below Water)

• Ocean Carbon Sink Capacity: The article indicates this is a key metric by noting that “oceans… seem to have absorbed a lesser amount of CO2 in 2024” and that “At higher temperatures, oceans absorb less CO2.”

Indicators for SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy)

• CO2 Emissions from Fossil Fuel Combustion: While not providing a total figure, the article’s focus on rising CO2 from “the burning of fossil fuels” implies that tracking these emissions is the primary indicator for progress (or lack thereof) in the energy transition.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

Source: indianexpress.com