Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 1 hr ago
Greenhouse gas levels reached new records in 2025, UN says
The UN’s World Meteorological Organization says greenhouse gas levels set new records in 2025.
The record covered carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, the three main gases responsible for global warming.
These gases are present in the atmosphere, where they contribute to warming.
The organization said the gases all reached unprecedented levels last year.
It warned that the climate impacts will persist for centuries.
The statement gives no further information on what action may follow.
The World Meteorological Organization says concentrations of the three main greenhouse gases reached record levels in 2025.
Carbon dioxide averaged 426.8 parts per million, 53 per cent above pre-industrial levels.
Methane and nitrous oxide also reached record concentrations, at 1,948 and 339.1 parts per billion respectively.
The WMO warns that greenhouse gases are trapping unprecedented amounts of heat, contributing to risks from extreme weather.
The agency also highlighted rising levels of hydrogen and sulphur hexafluoride, which have warming effects.
- Who
- The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) reported the findings.
- What
- Concentrations of carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide reached record levels in 2025.
- When
- In 2025; the WMO findings were reported on October 27, 2026.
- Where
- In the atmosphere globally.
- Why
- Greenhouse gases accumulate in the atmosphere and trap heat; the sources do not state a specific cause for the 2025 increases.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Atmospheric hydrogen concentration increased by 5.3 per cent.
The global average carbon dioxide concentration rose to a record 426.8 parts per million.
Methane and nitrous oxide concentrations also reached record highs.
The WMO findings were reported by New Scientist and ANSA.
- Carbon dioxide
- 426.8 parts per million in 2025
- Carbon dioxide change
- 53 per cent above pre-industrial levels
- Methane
- 1,948 parts per billion in 2025
- Nitrous oxide
- 339.1 parts per billion in 2025
- Hydrogen
- Concentration increased 5.3 per cent between 2010 and 2024
3 sources
What people are saying
Greenhouse gases are trapping an unprecedented amount of heat in the atmosphere, providing energy for more extreme weather and associated risks to our economies and societies