{
  "id": 16831732,
  "title": "Global greenhouse gas levels hit new heights in 2025",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/28/global-greenhouse-gas-levels-hit-new-heights-in-2025",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-28T02:07:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times-koreatimes",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/others/20261028/global-greenhouse-gas-levels-hit-new-heights-in-2025"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2025, the concentration of heat-trapping greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere reached record levels, according to a report by the World Meteorological Organization. The primary driver of this alarming trend was the persistent burning of fossil fuels and industrial activities. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels surged to an unprecedented 426.8 parts per million (ppm), marking a dramatic increase of 1.5 times the concentration present before the Industrial Revolution in 1750. Methane and nitrous oxide, two other potent greenhouse gases, also hit record highs.\n\nHowever, the report did provide a glimmer of hope for CO₂ levels. The annual increase in CO₂ slowed down to 2.8 parts per million in 2025, compared to the previous year's 3.5 parts per million. Climatologists attribute this moderation to the restoration of terrestrial carbon sinks and a decrease in wildfire activity, which occurred after the strong El Niño events in 2023 and 2024.\n\nThe situation was particularly dire in South Korea, as regional monitoring data from the Korea Meteorological Administration revealed a concerning upward trajectory. The report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avert catastrophic consequences.",
  "summary": "Global atmospheric concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases reached unprecedented highs in 2025, according to a report released by the World Meteorological Organization, 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…",
  "key_points": [
    "Global greenhouse gas levels hit record highs in 2025",
    "Carbon dioxide concentration reached 426.8 ppm, highest ever",
    "Methane and nitrous oxide also reached record highs"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The continued reliance on fossil fuels and industrial processes continues to push atmospheric concentrations to record highs despite a slight moderation in the annual growth rate of carbon dioxide.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}