Global climate report warns of record CO2 levels and rising temperatures

A new report by an international coalition of scientists, led by Oregon State University and Terrestrial Ecosystems Research Associates, indicates that seven climate indicators have reached unprecedented extreme levels. Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations exceeded 428 parts per million in May 2026, representing a 50% increase from pre-industrial levels and one of the highest values in two million years. Methane and nitrous oxide have also reached historic highs.

Additionally, a United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report suggests the Earth is heading toward a warmer future than previously projected. If current emission reduction promises are met, temperatures are still expected to rise by approximately 1.2 degrees Celsius. However, the report notes a worsening scenario compared to previous estimates, citing the formal withdrawal of the United States from the Paris Agreement and revised historical emission estimates.

The UNEP report highlights that while most of the world's top 20 economies have reduced or slowed their carbon pollution, the United States saw an increase of 133 million tons of CO2 equivalent. This rise is attributed to increased electricity demand and a resurgence in coal-fired power production.