"GENEVA - Greenhouse gas concentrations hit a new record in 2020, the U.N. weather agency said on Monday, warning that the world was "way off track" for capping rising temperatures.
A World Meteorological Organization report showed that carbon dioxide levels surged to 413.2 parts per million in 2020, rising more than the average rate over the last decade despite a temporary emissions dip during COVID-19 lockdowns.
Secretary-General Petteri Taalas said that the current rate of increase in heat-trapping gases would result in temperature rises "far in excess" of the 2015 Paris Agreement target of 1.5 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial average this century.
'We are way off track. We need to revisit our industrial, energy and transport systems and whole way of life,' he said, calling for a 'dramatic increase' in commitments at the COP26 conference beginning Oct. 31."
Emma Farge reports for Reuters October 25, 2021.
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"Australia Gives In-Principle Support For Net Zero By 2050" (AP)
"Japan PM Kishida Making Arrangements To Attend COP26 Climate Summit -Yomiuri" (Reuters)
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