Greenhouse gas levels set records again in 2025, U.N. says
Summary
The World Meteorological Organization says atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide reached record highs in 2025. These rising levels trap heat and contribute to long-term warming; the agency said fossil fuel use and a possible strong El Niño could drive further increases in 2026.Key Facts
- In 2025, carbon dioxide reached 426.8 parts per million, methane reached 1,948 parts per billion, and nitrous oxide reached 339.1 parts per billion.
- Those concentrations were 153%, 267% and 126% of their respective pre-industrial levels.
- Carbon dioxide concentration rose by 2.8 parts per million from 2024 to 2025, below the previous year's record increase of 3.6 parts per million but above the past decade's average of 2.6.
- The WMO said recovery of land carbon sinks and reduced fire emissions after the 2023–2024 El Niño helped slow the carbon dioxide increase in 2025.
- The agency warned that fossil fuel burning and a powerful El Niño could raise greenhouse gas concentrations further in 2026.
- Carbon dioxide causes about 66% of the warming effect from the three main long-lived greenhouse gases, while methane causes about 16%.
- The WMO said sulfur hexafluoride, used mainly to prevent electrical sparks in power distribution, has risen steadily over the past three decades.
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