By JAMEY KEATEN and SETH BORENSTEIN Associated Press
The United Nations weather agency said carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere reached record highs last year, intensifying climate change and extreme weather. The World Meteorological Organization said CO2 growth rates have tripled since the 1960s, reaching levels that existed 800,000 years ago. The report, released Wednesday, highlights emissions from coal, oil, and gas, along with wildfires, as major contributors. Despite flat fossil fuel emissions last year, CO2 levels continue to rise. The agency has urged policymakers to reduce emissions, warning that the world is heading into a dangerous state. Other greenhouse gases like methane and nitrous oxide have also hit record levels.
A startup called Gigablue claims to have reached a milestone by selling 200,000 carbon credits for its ocean-based carbon capture technology. The company says its patented particles grow algae that trap carbon dioxide, which then sinks to the ocean floor. Outside scientists, however, question the effectiveness and environmental impact of this method, citing a lack of public data and concerns about marine ecosystems. Gigablue has conducted trials in New Zealand and plans to expand operations. While some buyers trust the company's promises, experts remain skeptical about its unproven technology and the broader implications of such ocean-based carbon removal efforts.
