"Yet an excess of CO2 is posing a real threat to the livability of the planet. As a greenhouse gas it traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere and CO2 levels have increased dramatically since the Industrial Revolution, driven primarily by the burning of fossil fuels for energy and transportation. This is leading to a steep rise in global temperatures, with ever more severe consequences, including storms, flooding, drought and days of extreme heat."
"CO2 reduction is central to this. It requires a 43% cut in emissions by 2030 compared to 2019 levels and reaching net zero by 2050. While this applies to all greenhouse gases methane and nitrous oxide are also potent polluters CO2 is the focus, as it is responsible for around 80% of temperature rise since 1990. Despite these global aspirations, CO2 emissions hit a new high in 2024, which was recognized as the hottest year on record."
Carbon dioxide is essential for plant growth but excessive atmospheric CO2 is warming the planet by trapping heat. CO2 concentrations have risen sharply since the Industrial Revolution, driven mainly by fossil fuel combustion for energy and transport. Rising temperatures are producing stronger storms, flooding, drought and extreme heat. Global targets require a 43% emissions cut by 2030 versus 2019 and net zero by 2050. CO2 accounts for roughly 80% of temperature increase since 1990. Emissions reached a new high in 2024, with major contributors including China, the US, India, the EU and Russia. The energy sector is the largest source.
Read at www.dw.com
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