Global greenhouse gas levels hit new heights in 2025: report

The Korea Times - Oct 28, 2026

Global atmospheric concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases reached unprecedented highs in 2025, according to a report released by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), driven by continued fossil fuel combustion and industrial activity. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels in the atmosphere hit a record high of 426.8 parts per million (ppm) — meaning there are now 1.5 times as much CO₂ in the air as there was before the Industrial Revolution in 1750. Two other powerful heat-trapping gases, methane and nitrous oxide, also reached record highs. But the report offered a slight silver lining regarding carbon dioxide. The annual concentration increase slowed to 2.8 parts per million in 2025, down from 3.5 parts per million the previous year. Climatologists attributed the temporary moderation to the recovery of terrestrial carbon sinks and a decline in wildfire activity following the strong El Niño phenomenon of 2023 and 2024. Regional monitoring data from Korea reflected an even starker trajectory. Findings published by the Korea Meteorological Administration showed background con

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US Silver Star Medal reissued to late S. Korean veteran of Korean War

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Presidential office to hold emergency meeting over financial-sector hacking attacks

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PPP slams defense minister over remarks on trusting US forces in event of war with N. Korea

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PM pledges Korea will take lead in climate crisis response

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Births up 13% in August to highest in 7 years

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Seoul rallies 1,486 volunteers to clean up Han River parks

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